What does motivational interviewing primarily involve?

Motivational interviewing primarily involves supportive persuasion, which is a collaborative, person-centered approach aimed at facilitating and engaging intrinsic motivation within the client. This technique emphasizes empathy, reflection, and acceptance, allowing individuals to explore their own reasons for change and to find a path that feels right for them.

Through supportive persuasion, the practitioner creates an open environment wherein clients can articulate their ambivalence about change and express their thoughts and feelings without judgment. This process helps clients connect their personal values to their behaviors, ultimately fostering motivation to change. The goal is not to coerce or confront clients, but rather to encourage them to examine their patterns and consider alternatives in a supportive manner.

This approach contrasts with methods that involve strict confrontation or accountability, as these can create resistance rather than collaboration. Additionally, reality testing is a different technique that assesses perceptions or beliefs, and while it can be useful, it doesn't capture the essence of motivational interviewing as effectively as supportive persuasion does.