Why use Motivational Interviewing in Addiction Treatment?

Motivational interviewing is a technique used in addiction counselling to increase a client’s hope and drive to change through goal orientation and focus. It is a “transtheoretical approach” to change focused on intrinsic motivation (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2012, p. 125). Motivational interviewing is more than just a technique to follow; it is a way of truly connecting with the client. Capuzzi and Stauffer (2012) explain the four pillars that guide motivational interviewing as “Expressing Empathy, Developing Discrepancy, Rolling with Resistance, and Supporting Self-Efficacy” (p.131). By following these stages, therapists are able to inspire internal motivation to change without intimidation and coercion. Counselors use this technique in an interview format of open-ended questions and answers to determine motivation and improve commitment (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2012). When using this technique counselors must show empathy and compassion.

Advocates of incorporating motivation techniques into addiction recovery state that a shift occurred in both psychology and addiction to a “phenomenon of human flourishing” (Krentzman, 2012, p.151). Motivation plays an important role in achieving long-term addiction recovery goals, because treatment develops a lifestyle that is rewarding and focuses on strengths and virtues in the client’s future. Expressing empathy is one way to build a relationship of trust when first working with a resistant client (Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, 2005). A client needs to have their feelings validated in a nonjudgmental arena. A therapist utilizes activing listening skills, reflection, and open-ended questions at this stage of treatment. These tools can help a client to see individual discrepancies between their belief system and their actions. Cognitive dissonance may be experienced by the client as they, on their own, come to the realization that there are inconsistencies in their behavior and belief (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2012).  Therapists facilitate these realizations in order to decrease ambivalence and relieve client from the stress caused by cognitive dissonance. 

In those first few therapy sessions, it is so important to me that I help you feel comfortable and validated while using motivational interviewing. I am on your team and will express a genuine persona of concern and compassion. I will affirm your feelings, listen, and reflect. I will use open-ended questions to learn about your background and goals. Through motivational interviewing we can build trust, understanding, and increase partnership. We are a team!

Reference

Capuzzi, D. & Stauffer, M. (2011). Foundations of Addiction Counseling (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Publishing

Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (2005). Substance abuse treatment: Group therapy. Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series 35. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bookshelf/br.fcgi?book=hssamhsatip&part=A78366

Krentzman, A. R. (2013). Review of the application of positive psychology to substance use, addiction, and recovery research. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 27(1), 151-165. doi:10.1037/a0029897