Applying Motivational Interviewing Skills

An informational on MI. MI is less about giving advice and more about guiding clients to voice their own motivations for change.

Motivational Interviewing (MI): Clinical Overview Handout

What is MI?

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, person-centered counseling style developed by William

Miller and Stephen Rollnick. It is designed to strengthen a person's motivation and commitment to

change by exploring and resolving ambivalence.

The Spirit of MI

• Collaboration – Working in partnership rather than taking an authoritarian stance.

• Evocation – Drawing out the client’s own motivations and resources for change.

• Autonomy – Respecting the client’s right and capacity for self-direction.

Core Principles

• Express Empathy – Use reflective listening to understand the client’s perspective.

• Develop Discrepancy – Help clients see the gap between current behavior and future goals.

• Roll with Resistance – Avoid arguing; resistance is met with acceptance.

• Support Self-Efficacy – Highlight client strengths and belief in their ability to change.

Core Skills (OARS)

• Open-ended Questions – Encourage elaboration and exploration.

• Affirmations – Recognize client strengths and efforts.

• Reflections – Mirror back client thoughts and feelings to enhance understanding.

• Summaries – Pull together key points to reinforce progress and direction.

The Four Processes of MI

• Engaging – Building a working relationship.

• Focusing – Identifying the key area(s) for change.

• Evoking – Drawing out the client’s motivation and reasons for change.

• Planning – Developing a commitment and steps toward change.

Applying MI in Clinical Settings

• Build rapport early through empathy and non-judgment.

• Listen for and reinforce 'change talk.'

• Use reflective statements to diffuse resistance.

• Encourage small, realistic steps toward change.

Example Exchange

Client: 'I know I should quit smoking, but it helps with my stress.'

Clinician: 'On one hand smoking helps you manage stress, and on the other, you’re concerned about

your health.'