Motivational Interviewing for Mental Health

Motivational Interviewing

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a therapy method that is used to treat a variety of mental health disorders. This approach recognizes and accepts the fact that patients who need to make changes in their lives approach counseling at different levels of readiness to change their behavior. It is common for some patients to have considered making a behavioral change, but they may not have taken steps to make that change themselves. Alternatively, other patients may be actively trying to change their behavior, but have been unsuccessful thus far. Motivational Interviewing for mental health is an effective approach that has helped many individuals overcome their obstacles.


Motivational Interviewing uses four general processes:

  1. Engaging – Engaging is used to involve the patient in talking about their issues, concerns, and hopes, and to establish a trusting relationship with the counselor.
  2. Focusing – Focusing is used to focus the conversation on habits or patterns that patients want to change.
  3. Evoking – Evoking is used to elicit a patient’s motivation for change, by increasing their sense of importance regarding change, their confidence about change, and their readiness to change.
  4. Planning – Planning is used to develop the practical steps patients want to use to implement the changes they desire.

While there are as many variations in MI technique as there are clinical encounters, the spirit of the method is enduring and can be characterized in a few key points:

  1. Motivation to change is elicited from the patients and is not imposed from outside forces.
  2. It is the patient's task, not the counselor’s, to articulate and resolve the patient’s ambivalence.
  3. Direct persuasion is not an effective method for resolving ambivalence.
  4. The counseling style is generally quiet and elicits information from the patient.
  5. The counselor is directive, in that they help the patient to examine and resolve ambivalence.
  6. Readiness to change is not a trait of the patient, but a fluctuating result of interpersonal interaction.
  7. The therapeutic relationship resembles a partnership or companionship.

Customized Care at Banyan Mental Health

Banyan Mental Health incorporates Motivational Interviewing for patients who suffer from mental health disorders and need help recognizing the need for change. This technique helps inspire patients who have had very little to no motivation to change their unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors. A mental health therapist will work one-on-one with a patient to ensure that they have the tools needed to implement healthy change and overcome their condition. We help individuals move away from complacency and into an uncomfortable stage that allows them to see the need for change. We have seen successful results through Motivational Interviewing. Our patients are able to leave treatment with a new outlook on their feelings and emotions.


Motivational Interviewing is one of the many unique therapy methods that our mental health facility utilizes, and depending on the individual, it may be one of the best therapeutic options. If you or your loved one is struggling with a mental health condition, contact our mental health facility in Boca Raton today. We can help you change your life for the better. There is hope!