Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, goal-oriented communication style designed to strengthen a person's intrinsic motivation and commitment to change.
Core Principles and Processes
MI rests on a foundation of four guiding principles (RULE)
Resist: Avoid the natural urge to fix the person's problem or offer direct advice because it can trigger resistance.
Understand: Use empathy and curiosity to explore their unique values, needs, and perspectives, or the person's motivation.
Listen: Mirror and validate feelings, making them feel heard rather than judged.
Empower: Focus on their strengths, optimism, and capacity to successfully make the change.
You know it is working when you are:
Engaging (building a trusting relationship), Focusing (on a specific goal), Evoking (the person's own words and desire for change), and Planning (developing an action plan that the individual feels confident they can achieve or execute.
