Motivational Interviewing (MI)

The majority of brief interventions are delivered in the spirit of MI. This client-centred, directive therapeutic approach enhances readiness for change by helping clients explore and resolve ambivalence about change. The following four basic principles of MI are used to enhance a client’s motivation and commitment for change: (i) expressing empathy, (ii) highlight discrepancies, (iii) support self-efficacy and (iv) resist the “righting reflex”. A summary of the key components of brief MI interventions is provided in the Table 6.3.