Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Motivational interviewing (MI) is part of a category of psychotherapeutic approaches called "brief therapy." Brief therapies are just that--brief. Their focus on efficient treatment and practical outcomes is well suited to equipping young women for their transition into adulthood. It is also ideal for young women who already have a level of insight and self-awareness from previous treatment, and are looking for practical ways to apply that insight. Like another favored Fulshear approach-cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT--MI is short-term, goal oriented, and practical. MI focuses less on past causes of dysfunctional behavior and more on solutions.
This type of therapy is excellent for addressing behaviors that involve a high degree of ambivalence, such as drug and alcohol abuse or promiscuity. Using motivational interviewing, our therapists can help young women explore the ambivalence that keeps them from changing self-destructive behaviors; this understanding helps them make personal decisions based on a deeper understanding of their own conflicting emotions. MI requires a strong relationship between the therapist and the client, as the client must feel safe to explore the sensitive and vacillating sense of ambivalence that surrounds, and perpetuates, problem behaviors. While there is a directive element to MI, it depends principally on a eliciting approach, one that draws the client out. Fulshear therapists know that readiness to change entrenched behaviors comes from within the client and cannot be forced externally. The use of MI techniques, therefore, is cooperative and collaborative, honoring the young person's autonomy and freedom of choice.
Motivational interviewing and other brief therapies are designed for use in combination with complementary therapeutic approaches. This approach is based on the understanding that change is cyclical in nature and that the motivation for change must emerge from the client rather than being imposed from without.
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