Clinically Reviewed by Dr. Kate Smith
What is Motivational Interviewing?
At Greater Boston Addiction Centers (GBAC), we use motivational interviewing as a helpful approach to support individuals on their journey to recovery. Motivational interviewing offers a facilitative communication approach that promotes healthy behavioral change. In this people-centered treatment modality, the clinician acts as the interviewer, motivating the client to set goals and achieve them. Greater Boston Addiction Centers’ safe, open, progress-centered addiction treatment setting promotes autonomy, collaboration, and evocation.
Motivational interviewing is a conversation technique designed to encourage and inspire people to make positive changes in their lives. Instead of telling someone what to do, it focuses on understanding their feelings and motivations.
START ADMISSIONS
What are the Key Points of Motivational Interviewing?
- Client-Centered: The process is all about you. It respects your feelings and choices, allowing you to lead the conversation about your goals and challenges.
- Building Trust: By creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment, motivational interviewing helps build trust between you and your therapist. This makes it easier to open up about your struggles and aspirations.
- Exploring Ambivalence: Many people have mixed feelings about making changes. Motivational interviewing helps you explore these feelings, weighing the pros and cons of your current behaviors versus the benefits of change.
- Encouraging Self-Reflection: This approach encourages you to reflect on your motivations and desires for change. It helps you find your own reasons for wanting to recover, making it more likely that you’ll stick with it.
- Setting Goals: Together with your therapist, you can set achievable goals that feel right for you. This helps create a clear path for your recovery.
- Empowerment: Motivational interviewing empowers you to take charge of your recovery. It helps you recognize your strengths and capabilities, boosting your confidence to make positive changes.
In summary, motivational interviewing at GBAC is about having open, supportive conversations that help you find your own motivation for change. It’s a collaborative process designed to inspire you on your path to recovery.
Motivational Interviewing Facts & Statistics
Sune Rubak, et al. “Motivational Interviewing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” The British Journal of General Practice, vol. 55, no. 513, Apr. 2005, p. 305, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1463134/.
Sune Rubak, et al. “Motivational Interviewing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” The British Journal of General Practice, vol. 55, no. 513, Apr. 2005, p. 305, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1463134/.
“Motivational Interviewing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” The British Journal of General Practice, vol. 55, no. 513, Apr. 2005, p. 305, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1463134/.
THC Editorial Team. “Motivational Interviewing: History, How It Works, Effectiveness.” The Human Condition, 27 Jan. 2022, thehumancondition.com/motivational-interviewing-overview/.
Finding Motivational Interviewing Near Me
At Greater Boston Addiction Centers, we provide motivational interviewing for individuals seeking help dealing with addiction issues in a supportive, affirming environment. Our goal is to help clients manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being. To learn more about our motivational interviewing services please call us at (617) 749-0166 or visit our location in Needham, MA.
- Greater Boston Addiction Centers: 322 Reservoir Street Needham, MA 02494
How Motivational Interviewing Supports Addiction Recovery at GBAC
At Greater Boston Addiction Centers (GBAC), we use motivational interviewing to help people on their journey to recovery from addiction. This approach focuses on understanding and encouraging you to make positive changes in your life. Here’s how it works:
- Listening and Understanding: Our therapists listen carefully to your feelings and thoughts about your addiction. They create a safe space for you to share without judgment.
- Exploring Motivations: We help you identify your reasons for wanting to change. This could be to improve your health, relationships, or overall happiness.
- Addressing Mixed Feelings: It’s normal to have mixed feelings about making changes. We explore these feelings with you, helping you weigh the pros and cons of your current habits versus the benefits of recovery.
- Setting Goals Together: With your therapist, you’ll set realistic and achievable goals for your recovery. This gives you a clear path forward.
- Building Confidence: Motivational interviewing empowers you by highlighting your strengths and capabilities. It boosts your confidence to take steps toward a healthier life.
By using motivational interviewing, GBAC supports you in finding your own motivation for change, making it easier to stay committed to your recovery journey.
Motivational Interviewing vs. Motivational Enhancement Therapy
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Definition: MI is a conversational, client-centered counseling style aimed at enhancing a person’s motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence.
- Focus: The focus is more on facilitating open dialogue and exploring clients’ feelings about change in a supportive and non-judgmental way.
- Process: MI is often integrated into various therapeutic approaches and can occur over a longer period, adapting to the client’s needs as they progress through treatment.
- Goal: The goal is to help clients articulate their motivations for change and encourage them to commit to their recovery journey without imposing directives.
- Duration: MI can be applied throughout the entire treatment process, often as a recurring element in ongoing sessions.
Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)
- Definition: MET is a structured therapeutic approach aimed at increasing a person’s motivation to change specific behaviors, particularly in the context of addiction.
- Focus: The primary focus is on identifying and strengthening personal motivations for change through a series of structured sessions.
- Process: MET typically involves several sessions where therapists work closely with clients to assess readiness, explore ambivalence, set goals, and reinforce commitment.
- Goal: The ultimate goal is to empower clients to take actionable steps toward change by enhancing their intrinsic motivation and developing a personalized plan for recovery.
- Duration: MET usually spans a shorter timeframe, often consisting of just a few sessions.
Key Differences
- Structure: MET is more structured with specific goals and outcomes, while MI is a flexible, conversational approach.
- Session Focus: MET focuses on enhancing motivation through defined steps, whereas MI encourages open exploration of feelings and thoughts about change.
- Duration and Integration: MET is typically brief and focused on specific goals, while MI can be integrated throughout longer-term therapy.
Both MET and MI are valuable tools in addiction treatment, but they serve different purposes and can complement each other effectively at Greater Boston Addiction Centers (GBAC).
Addictions We Support with Motivational Interviewing at GBAC
At Greater Boston Addiction Centers (GBAC), we incorporate motivational interviewing (MI) as a key strategy in treating various addictions. MI helps individuals explore their motivations for change, fostering a deeper understanding of their behaviors and empowering them to take positive steps toward recovery. Our specialized MI programs focus on:
- Alcohol Addiction: We guide clients in identifying their reasons for wanting to reduce or quit alcohol, helping them build confidence in their ability to change.
- Opioid Addiction: Through MI, clients explore their feelings about opioid use and discover personal motivations to manage cravings and seek healthier alternatives.
- Benzodiazepine Addiction: We support individuals in reflecting on their dependence on medications like Xanax or Valium, encouraging them to consider the benefits of healthier coping strategies.
- Heroin Addiction: MI helps clients examine their triggers and motivations for using heroin, empowering them to envision a life free from addiction.
- Methamphetamine Addiction: Individuals learn to articulate their reasons for wanting to overcome meth use, fostering commitment to change and healthier behaviors.
- Polysubstance Addiction: For those struggling with multiple dependencies, MI offers a structured approach to explore motivations across different substances and develop a personalized recovery plan.
- Prescription Drug Addiction: Clients engage in conversations about their use of prescription medications, identifying personal reasons for change and strengthening their resolve to address underlying issues.
- Marijuana Addiction: Through MI, we help clients understand their relationship with marijuana, guiding them to articulate their goals and find motivation for reducing dependence.
- Fentanyl Addiction: MI encourages individuals to reflect on their fentanyl use, helping them identify personal reasons for seeking change and fostering resilience in their recovery efforts.
By using motivational interviewing to support these diverse addictions, GBAC empowers clients to recognize their motivations for change, paving the way for meaningful progress on their recovery journey. Contact us using our secure online form or call us confidentially at Addiction Helpline today.
What Does the Motivational Interviewing Admission Process Entail?
At Greater Boston Addiction Centers, the admission process for motivational interviewing is designed to be smooth and supportive. It starts with an initial consultation where our team evaluates your emotional and behavioral needs, reviews your mental health history, and discusses your therapy goals. After the assessment, our admissions team assists with the necessary paperwork, coordinates with your insurance provider, and answers any questions you may have, ensuring you feel informed and comfortable as you begin your journey to recovery.
Is Motivational Interviewing Covered By My Insurance Provider?
To confirm your insurance coverage for motivational interviewing at Greater Boston Addiction Centers, begin by reaching out to your insurance provider to inquire about the specifics of your plan. You can also check your coverage online or review your benefits handbook for detailed information. At GBAC, our team is here to help you navigate your insurance plan and determine which services are covered. We strive to make the process easy so you can focus on getting the care you need.
START ADMISSIONS
What Are the Costs of a Motivational Interviewing Program?
The cost of a motivational interviewing program can vary based on a few factors, like whether it’s individual or group sessions, how long it lasts, and where it’s located. Experienced providers may charge more, and insurance might cover some of the costs, so checking with your insurance is a good idea. Some programs also offer sliding scale fees based on your income. For detailed information, contact our admissions team. We work with insurance providers and offer financial assistance to help manage expenses and ensure you get the support you need.
Live Sober
Live Connected
Greater Boston Addiction Centers
Addiction Therapy Programs
