Motivational Interviewing
At South Coast Behavioral Health, we offer MI as a primary treatment method to help our clients approach their situations with a new perspective and find the proper motivation to get started on a healthier life track.
Our MI approach is based on several principles, with the first being that everyone has the capacity for change and that they are more likely to change if they are motivated to do so. We believe that ambivalence is a normal part of the change process, and our clients are more likely to change if they feel supported and respected.
What Is Motivational Interviewing?
Motivational interviewing (MI) is a counseling approach that helps people resolve ambivalence and find the internal motivation they need to change their behavior. It is a collaborative, person-centered approach that emphasizes your autonomy and self-efficacy.
Our MI practitioners use a variety of techniques to help our clients explore their own reasons for change, identify their goals, and develop a plan for action. Some common MI techniques you may experience at our facility include:
- Open-ended questions: We ask open-ended questions to help you explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences related to the behavior you want to change.
- Reflection: Our MI practitioners reflect back on what they hear you saying to give you a chance to clarify your thoughts and feelings.
- Affirmations: We offer affirmations to express our support and respect for each of our clients and their thoughts, feelings, and recovery efforts.
- Summaries: Our MI practitioners summarize key points from the conversation to help you track your progress and stay focused on your goals.
MI has been shown to be effective in helping people change a variety of behaviors, including substance use, smoking, diet, exercise, and gambling. This means that no matter what personal issue you are struggling with, we are equipped to help you face and overcome these problems.
What Does Motivational Interviewing Treat?
As a counseling approach that helps people resolve ambivalence about changing their behavior, MI is a client-centered practice that focuses on helping people identify and strengthen their own reasons for change. MI has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of conditions, including:
- Substance use disorders: MI is one of the most effective treatments for substance abuse, including alcohol use disorder, drug use disorder, and tobacco use disorder. This practice can help people identify and address their reasons for using substances, develop a plan for quitting, and cope with cravings and triggers.
- Mental health conditions: MI can help people with a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. This approach can assist people in identifying and addressing their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that contribute to their mental health condition and develop healthy coping skills.
- Physical health conditions: MI can be used to help people manage a variety of physical health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, by developing a plan for managing their physical health condition, helping them adhere to their treatment plan, and making lifestyle changes that will improve their health.
- Other unhealthy behaviors: MI can also be used to help people change other unhealthy behaviors, such as gambling, risky sexual behavior, and overeating, by developing a plan for changing their unhealthy behavior, identifying and addressing triggers, and building coping skills.
No matter what their personal struggle may be, MI is particularly effective for those who are unsure about or hesitant to change. Taking the steps to live a better life can feel scary, especially if you have lived a certain way for a long time.
For example, someone who is struggling with substance abuse may know that they need to change, but they may also enjoy the feeling of being drunk or high. MI can help these individuals explore their hesitation to change and develop a plan for building better, healthier habits that are right for them.
What Happens During Motivational Interviewing?
MI is based on the principle that people are more likely to change if they are internally motivated rather than being pushed or coerced by others. When participating in this treatment approach, it is important to know what to expect during an MI session.
At South Coast Behavioral Health, our MI sessions typically follow a four-step process that includes:
- Engagement: Your MI practitioner will build a relationship with you and create a safe and supportive environment for change talk to emerge.
- Focusing:Your practitioner will help you to identify a specific behavior or area of your life that you want to focus on changing.
- EvocationYour practitioner will help you explore your own reasons for change and develop these reasons into motivation as you move forward.
- Planning: Your practitioner will assist you in developing a specific plan for making the desired changes you want to see in your life and support you as you put this plan into action.
Depending on your specific concerns and support needs, each MI session may look a little bit different. Generally though, these are the steps you can expect to take as you work with your MI therapist to build healthier and more sustainable habits.
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Finding A Motivational Interviewing Therapist
If you are considering MI as a treatment option, it is important to know how to find a practitioner that is right for your needs. When looking for a motivational interviewer, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Formal training and experience: Motivational interviewing is a specific skill set that takes time and practice to develop. Look for an interviewer who has completed formal training in MI and has experience using it with a variety of clients.
- Empathy and supportiveness: A good motivational interviewer will be able to create a safe and supportive space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings about change. They should be able to listen to you with understanding and compassion.
- Good listening skills: A motivational interviewer will be able to listen carefully to what you have to say and ask clarifying questions to help you clarify your thoughts and feelings.
- Non-judgmental stance: The right motivational interviewer will not judge you or your choices. They will respect your right to make your own decisions about change and provide guidance on how to make these choices healthier.
- Collaborative approach: Your motivational interviewer should work with you as a partner to develop a plan for change that is right for you and your specific needs.
At South Coast Behavioral Health, our MI practitioners offer all of these qualities and more. We believe that our clients deserve the chance to receive high-quality, personalized care and have the licensed, experienced staff to deliver this experience.
Motivational Interviewing at South Coast Behavioral Health
Motivational interviewing at South Coast Behavioral Health can be the start of your journey to living a better life. Our treatment approach focuses on treating the whole person, which is why we offer a full continuum of care to each of our clients.
Our treatment facilities provide a variety of services, including inpatient and outpatient mental health care, addiction treatment, and various psychiatric services, in addition to motivational interviewing.
Our locations are staffed by experienced and compassionate professionals who are dedicated to providing individualized treatment plans for every client. We offer a variety of treatment modalities, including therapy, medication management, and support groups.
With our accreditation from the Joint Commission, we maintain our excellent reputation for providing high-quality care in our dedication to making sure each of our clients gets the support they need to live happier, healthier lives.
If you want to learn more about our motivational interviewing programs or are ready to start your recovery journey, reach out to us to find out how you can start living a better life today!
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Motivational Interviewing in Orange County, CA
If you are struggling with a mental health or substance use disorder, motivational interviewing may be an effective treatment option for you. It is important to note that motivational interviewing requires active participation in order for it to be successful. If you think motivational interviewing might be right for you, please reach out to us today!
We provide motivational interviewing for men within our medical detox and residential treatment centers in Irvine, CA.
We offer motivational interviewing for women at our medical detox and residential treatment centers in Huntington Beach, CA.
We provide motivational interviewing for men within our residential inpatient facility in Costa Mesa, CA.
We provide motivational interviewing during our PHP and IOP programs in Newport Beach, CA.
