What is a key principle of motivational interviewing?

Enhancing intrinsic motivation to change is a foundational aspect of motivational interviewing. This approach aims to help individuals recognize and resolve their ambivalence about change by exploring their own motivations and reasons for wanting to change. Instead of imposing external pressures or delivering direct advice, which can often lead to resistance, motivational interviewing encourages clients to find their own motivation and commitment to change from within.

This principle is rooted in the understanding that lasting behavioral change is more likely to occur when individuals are internally motivated rather than driven by external factors. By fostering this intrinsic motivation, therapy becomes a collaborative process where individuals feel more empowered in their journey toward change, as they identify their values and goals related to their behavior. This emphasis on internal motivation is why it stands out as a key principle of motivational interviewing.