Improving Lives Through Motivational Interviewing 1 - CAL CROW

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an effective and efficient way of working with individuals who have a difficult time changing unhealthy habits and behaviors. It was developed specifically to help people deal with ambivalence, i.e., Simultaneous conflicting feelings toward a person or thing.

Ambivalence is a situation experienced by many individuals. For example, many people would rather not be on public assistance, yet doubt their ability to become self-sufficient. Job seekers may want to work, but fear the thought of going through an interview, or having "strangers" take care of their children. Students want to be successful, but can't find the time to study, or don't want to be seen as "bookish" by their friends. People who are overweight know they should adopt new eating habits, but fail to do so.

In each of these situations, people become torn or "stuck," knowing they would be better off if they changed their behaviors, but having "good reasons" for not doing so.

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