Motivational Interviewing is utilized to address substance use issues as it encourages the client to become an active participant in the change process by evoking their intrinsic motivations for change.

Motivational interviewing is a technique for increasing motivation to change and has proven to be particularly effective with people that may be unwilling or unable to change. Motivational Interviewing accepts that clients may be ambivalent about change, which is a normal human experience and often a necessary step in the process of change.

Motivational interviewing aims to encourage the client’s autonomy in decision-making. The therapist acts as a guide, clarifying the client’s strengths and aspirations, listening to their concerns, boosting their confidence in their ability to change, and eventually collaborating with them on a change plan.

The process consists of engaging the client, deciding with the client on what to change, evoking their reason for making the change, and agreeing on a concrete plan.