Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, person-centered approach for strengthening motivation and commitment to change. As defined in the 2023 fourth edition, MI is “a particular way of talking with people about change and growth to strengthen their own motivation and commitment.”
What is Motivational Interviewing (MI)?
Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, person-centered approach for strengthening motivation and commitment to change. As defined in the 2023 fourth edition, MI is “a particular way of talking with people about change and growth to strengthen their own motivation and commitment.”
Originally developed to support individuals with addiction, MI has evolved into a widely used method across healthcare, education, coaching, and human services. It’s built on the understanding that ambivalence about change is normal—and that lasting transformation begins with the individual’s own reasons for change.
Core Goals of MI
MI isn’t about persuading or directing—it’s about guiding. Practitioners help individuals:
• Explore personal values and goals
• Resolve ambivalence
• Strengthen intrinsic motivation
• Develop actionable plans for change
The process is structured around four key tasks: Engaging, Focusing, Evoking, and Planning—each designed to deepen connection and support meaningful progress.
What is "Change Talk"?
Change talk refers to any statement that reflects desire, ability, reason, or need for change. It’s a central indicator of progress in MI. Practitioners listen for and reinforce change talk to help individuals build momentum and confidence toward action.
Is MI Evidence-Based?
Absolutely. MI is supported by over 2,000 clinical trials and decades of research across diverse populations and settings. It’s recognized as an evidence-based practice for:
• Substance use treatment
• Chronic disease management
• Mental health support
• Behavior change in youth and adults
Despite its proven effectiveness, some people question whether MI is an evidence-based approach.
Is Motivational Interviewing an intervention?
Yes—and more. MI functions both as a standalone intervention and as a complement to other modalities. Its effectiveness lies in its adaptability and emphasis on empathy, autonomy, and strategic guidance. Key principles include:
• Expressing empathy
• Developing discrepancy
• Rolling with resistance
• Supporting self-efficacy
The OARS Framework
MI practitioners use the OARS skills to build rapport and guide conversations:
• Open-Ended Questions
• Affirmations
• Reflections
• Summaries
These tools help individuals feel heard, understood, and empowered to take the next step.
How effective is MI?
MI has demonstrated strong outcomes in:
• Reducing substance use
• Improving treatment retention
• Enhancing mental health
• Supporting lifestyle changes (e.g., diet, exercise, smoking cessation)
Its strength lies in helping people move from uncertainty to action—on their own terms.
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The History of MI
Motivational Interviewing (MI) emerged in the early 1980s through the work of clinical psychologists William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick. Initially developed to support individuals with alcohol use disorders, MI has since evolved into a widely adopted approach across healthcare, education, criminal justice, and organizational development.
The method grew from a convergence of behavioral science and client-centered therapy, emphasizing empathy, autonomy, and collaboration. Today, MI is recognized as a dynamic, evidence-based style of communication that helps people explore and resolve ambivalence about change2.
How MI Works in Practice
Unlike directive or advice-driven counseling, MI is a guiding style that invites individuals to reflect on their values, goals, and readiness for change. Practitioners use four core processes:
• Engaging: Building trust and rapport
• Focusing: Identifying a meaningful direction for change
• Evoking: Drawing out the person’s own motivations
• Planning: Collaboratively developing actionable steps
The spirit of MI is rooted in partnership, acceptance, compassion, and evocation—not persuasion or pressure.
MI Techniques That Drive Change
Motivational Interviewing is more than a set of tools—it’s a mindset. That said, key techniques include:
| Technique | Purpose |
| Open-ended questions | Encourage reflection and deeper dialogue |
| Affirmations | Reinforce strengths and build confidence |
| Reflective listening | Demonstrate understanding and elicit further insight |
| Summaries | Organize thoughts and highlight motivation |
| Goal setting | Provide direction and structure for change |
| Action planning | Translate motivation into measurable steps |
| Follow-up | Sustain momentum and reinforce progress |
Examples of MI Questions
Effective MI questions invite exploration and self-discovery. Here are a few that spark meaningful dialogue:
• “What would you like to see different about your current situation?”
• “How confident are you in your ability to make this change?”
• “What worries you most about making this change?”
• “What support do you need to succeed?”
• “What are the benefits of changing—and the costs of staying the same?”
These questions help individuals articulate their own reasons for change, which is the heart of MI.
How to Learn Motivational Interviewing
Whether you're a clinician, coach, educator, or manager, MI training can elevate your impact. Learning options include:
• 📘 Reading foundational texts like Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change and Grow (2023)
• 🖥️ Online courses and webinars from organizations like MINT, EBP Society and UMass Chan’s Center for Integrated Primary Care
• 👥 Peer consultation and supervised practice
• 🎧 Podcasts, blogs, and video demonstrations
MI Training & Certification
While no formal license is required to practice MI, structured training and feedback are essential for proficiency. Certification options include:
• UMass Chan’s Certificate of Intensive Training: A semester-long program with live coaching, skill assessments, and CE credits
• National Council for Mental Wellbeing: Offers introductory and intermediate MI workshops for individuals and teams
• Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT): A global community of certified trainers committed to high-quality MI practice
Building MI Capacity In-House
Agencies can benefit from developing internal MI expertise. Advantages include:
• Cost savings over time
• Consistent client experience
• Tailored training for specific populations
• Sustainable onboarding and skill refreshers
• Empowered staff and improved retention
Many organizations adopt a three-tiered approach:
1. Train frontline staff in MI fundamentals
2. Equip supervisors to coach and reinforce MI skills
3. Develop internal trainers to sustain long-term capacity
Free vs. Paid Training Options
| Option | Description |
| Free Courses | Introductory webinars, articles, and ebooks (e.g., EPB Society resources). For those not ready to shell out money for their Motivational Interviewing courses, there are also ways to learn MI. For starters, you can become a member of the EPB Society and access several short MI courses. |
| Paid Programs | Structured learning with feedback, certification, and CE credits.
For those seeking depth and accountability, paid programs offer guided practice and measurable outcomes. For those exploring MI, free resources are a great starting point. For agencies looking to develop their in-house capacity, the Yearly MI training Series offered at EBP Society is open to the public. The training is also available as a private Motivational Interviewing training option adapted for those who choose to go that route. |
For those seeking depth and accountability, paid programs offer guided practice and measurable outcomes. For those exploring MI, free resources are a great starting point. There are tons of various articles and Motivational Interviewing ebooks available online.
Motivational Interviewing Across Industries
Originally developed to support individuals with substance use disorders, Motivational Interviewing (MI) has evolved into a versatile communication method used across a wide range of sectors. Its core principles—collaboration, empathy, and autonomy—make it a powerful tool for facilitating change in both clinical and non-clinical environments.
Healthcare & Wellness - MI is widely used to support behavior change in areas such as:
• Smoking cessation
• Weight management
• Medication adherence
• Chronic disease self-management
Clinicians use MI to improve patient engagement, reduce hospital readmissions, and foster long-term health outcomes. It’s especially effective in helping patients navigate ambivalence and take ownership of their health decisions.
Mental Health & Social Services - In counseling and social work, MI is applied to:
• Substance use treatment
• Depression and anxiety management
• Trauma-informed care
• Community outreach and engagement
Practitioners use MI to build trust, elicit change talk, and support clients in developing actionable goals. Its emphasis on empathy and empowerment aligns well with trauma-sensitive and strengths-based approaches.
Business & Leadership - MI is gaining traction in organizational development, where it enhances:
• Employee goal-setting and performance coaching
• Leadership development and feedback conversations
• Onboarding and role transitions
• Sales and client engagement
Managers and HR professionals use MI to foster autonomy, build rapport, and support professional growth. Sales teams apply MI principles to understand client needs and guide decision-making without pressure.
Education & Youth Development - Educators and youth workers use MI to:
• Boost student motivation and engagement
• Support academic goal-setting
• Address behavioral challenges
• Promote resilience and self-efficacy
MI helps students explore their own reasons for change, making it a valuable tool for coaching, mentoring, and classroom management.
Why MI Works Across Sectors
The power of MI lies in its adaptability. Whether you're guiding a patient, mentoring a student, coaching an employee, or supporting a community member, MI helps people:
• Clarify their values and goals
• Resolve ambivalence
• Strengthen intrinsic motivation
• Take meaningful steps toward change
As organizations increasingly prioritize human-centered communication, MI continues to gain recognition as a foundational skill for professionals across industries.
