Explain in depth the process of motivational interviewing and how it may be useful with substance-using clients. Use a specific example of a client with whom this approach could be useful.

What will be an ideal response?


Motivational interviewing grew out of the "stages of change" (or transtheoretical) model, which is based on empirical research. These are the five stages of change through which the client moves with the assistance of the therapist: 1. Precontemplation (not yet acknowledging that there is a problem behavior requiring change); 2. Contemplation (acknowledging there is a problem but not yet ready or sure of wanting to make a change); 3. Preparation (determination: getting ready to change); 4. Action (willpower: changing behavior); 5. Maintenance (maintaining the behavior change) and/or relapse (returning to older behaviors and abandoning the new changes). The concept of motivational interviewing evolved from experience using this five-stage model in the treatment of problem drinkers. Motivational interviewing is a client-centered, focused, and goal-oriented counseling style for eliciting behavior change by helping clients explore and resolve their ambivalence about continuing to use the substance. On the one hand, they have come to enjoy using the substance, at least for a short time while the positive effects are strongest; on the other hand, they have come to recognize that habitual use of the substance is creating problems in their lives. The key to using motivational interviewing is to follow the client's lead and use the most natural skills possible to allow the client to open up. Those skills include warmth, empathy, and reflective listening.

Social Work & Human Services

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