How does a skilled practitioner in Motivational Interviewing interact with a person?

A skilled practitioner in Motivational Interviewing interacts with a person by being empathetic and addressing inconsistencies in the individual's thoughts and feelings. This approach is rooted in the understanding that motivation for change often exists alongside ambivalence and uncertainty. By demonstrating empathy, the practitioner builds a trusting relationship, allowing the individual to feel safe in expressing their feelings and thoughts without judgment.

Questioning inconsistencies is a crucial element of this interaction because it helps the person explore their motivations and the discrepancies between their current behaviors and desired outcomes. This process encourages self-reflection, enabling the individual to articulate their reasons for change and reinforcing their autonomy.

This method contrasts with providing commands or directives, which could be perceived as controlling, and ignoring emotions, which would undermine the rapport needed for effective communication. Similarly, maintaining a neutral and detached stance would undermine the empathetic connection that is vital for facilitating meaningful dialogue and supporting the person’s journey toward change.