With motivational interviewing, I try to help my clients resolve ambivalent feelings and insecurities to try to bring out the internal motivation they need to change whatever behavior it is that they want to change. It’s a practical, empathetic, and short-term process that allows us to take into consideration how to cope with life changes and put that at the forefront.

I have used motivational interviewing a lot with addiction, but it can also be helpful for physical health issues. I also use this technique to help people move through the emotional stages of change so that they can move forward, into the action stage of whatever it is they want to change.