Motivational Interviewing and Humanistic Psychology

What is Motivational Interviewing?

The Motivational Interviewing is a communication technique focused on change, developed by psychologists William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick. It is based on the belief that each individual has the ability to bring about positive changes in his life, and its purpose is to foster and strengthen the internal motivation for change. Often, we know that smoking or drinking is bad and hurts us, our parents and friends tell us, doctors also talk about it. So we don’t lack information. However, we fail to make the change or simply look for excuses or reasons to continue with the present situation.

The Motivational Interviewing comes from Humanistic Psychology and shares with it the main concepts, such as:

Empathy and Unconditional Respect: help understand your personal perspectives, values and goals, providing you with a safe and judgment-free space.
Collaboration: the therapist and the client work together as a team. With support you can explore your own motivators and goals, instead of imposing solutions from the outside.
Evocation: Instead of convincing or persuading, focus your own reasons and resources for change. Self-reflection and informed decision-making are encouraged for lasting change.

During the psychological intervention the therapist does not make the change for the person but he does accompany and guide him in this long process. The whole process consists of 4 phases represented in the figure above:

Engaging and Comprehensive Assessment: In the first stage of the Motivational Interviewing, your current situation is evaluated and your concerns, desires and objectives are explored. Through open questions and active listening, a solid foundation will be laid for the process of change.
Focusing and Goal Identification: Together, we identify your personal goals and the changes you want to make in your life. Setting clear goals is critical to guiding the Motivational Interviewing process toward meaningful results.
Evoking and Exploration of Ambivalence: It is normal to experience ambivalence in the face of change. Explore reasons for change and possible barriers that may arise along the way. Recognizing these ambivalences is an essential step towards positive change.
Planning and Strengthening Internal Motivation: Using specific techniques, your internal motivation for change will be strengthened. We highlight your personal strengths and resources, creating a solid foundation for progress toward your goals.

Climbing step after step we approach the change in your life. Having support and guidance on this path is important. Here I have compiled the most relevant phrases of this approach.

If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there. (Lewis Carroll)
If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading. (Lao Tzu)
I have not the right to want to change another if I am not open to be changed. (Martin Buber)
Unsolicited advice is the junk mail of life. (Bern Williams)
Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didn’t. (Erica Jong)
After all, when you seek advice from someone it’s certainly not because you want them to give it. You just want them to be there while you talk to yourself. (Terry Pratchett)
Our plans miscarry because they have no aim. When a man does not know what harbor he is making for, no wind is the right wind. (Lucius Annaeus Seneca)
Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase. (Martin Luther King, JR)
The great thing in the world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving. (Oliver Wendell Holmes)
Action speaks louder than words, but not nearly as often. (Mark Twain)
Easier to change the course of a river than a person’s natural habit. (Chinese saying)
In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice, there is. Dean Fixsen)

The Motivational Interviewing is a valuable and effective tool to encourage positive change in your life. I believe we all have the potential for growth and transformation, and I’m here to accompany you on this journey to emotional well-being and personal empowerment. It is easier and more pleasant to walk accompanied towards your illusions than alone!

A persistent problem? - Change the solution!

You have an insomnia.

And what are you doing?
Do you try to fall asleep?
Does it work?
If not, what will you do tomorrow?
What will you do next month?
Will you try to fall asleep?
Why don't you try something different?

It seems that we tend to apply the same solution to the same problem. Even though it doesn’t work, we will continue to apply this solution. Why don’t we transcend banality, simplicity, evidence and logic and not approach creativity to generate alternative solutions?

If a problem persists for a long time, we would have to change the modus operandi and start acting differently. It’s not always easy to find alternatives. This search can be helped by family, friends or a specialist. Sometimes this journey to a new beginning and a positive change in your life is very exciting for you and your companions. It is understood that making the decision to change can be challenging, but with the right support and the right tools, you can achieve the well-being and personal fulfillment you long for.

Here are some examples of alternative solutions, which may seem radical, for more common persistent problems:

If you can’t sleep, instead of trying to fall asleep for hours, get up, leave the room and look at something boring on TV or clean the floor (you may check the page about sleep problems);
If your partner starts to raise his/her voice, you do the same and the conflict escalates quickly, try to be calm and listen carefully to your partner’s arguments trying to reach a compromise, instead of reaching a conflict;
If you talk about politics or religion with your friend or family member you always argue, do not touch these topics;
If you start a strict diet, then you fail, later you start doing another one, and again you fail, stop doing it. Analyze if there is something that causes you anxiety in life and try to eliminate it. Also try other methods, such as doing sports (you may check the page about anxiety);
If you manage to quit smoking or drinking only a few days but then get back to your habit, look for pleasant activities that can replace a lack of drugs in your life (you may check the page about addictions);
If your partner rolls the tube of toothpaste and this irritates you, buy another toothpaste for yourself.

Every problem and every situation is different and it is necessary to adapt the solution to each specific case. What serves one may not work with others.

Some tips for identifying a persistent problem and making a change:

Identify and Recognize the Problem: The first step in solving a persistent problem is to identify it and recognize its impact on your life. Often, we may ignore or deny the existence of certain challenges, but confronting them head-on is essential to finding a solution.
Recognize Your Desire for Change: The next step toward meaningful change is recognizing that you want something different in your life. It is normal to feel some uncertainty, but it is also a sign that you are ready to grow and evolve. Allow yourself to explore your deepest goals and dreams, and don’t be afraid to aspire to something bigger.
Understand the Underlying Causes: Behind persistent problems, there are often deeper causes. You can try exploring the emotional and psychological roots of the problem yourself or with the help of a family member or a specialist. This understanding is essential to address the problem from the outset.
Identify your Goals and Priorities: Change can be more manageable when divided into clear and achievable goals. Take time to identify what aspects of your life you would like to improve and set priorities. Whether in your relationships, career or emotional well-being, setting specific goals will help you stay focused and motivated.
Overcome Your Fears and Barriers: Fear of change is natural, but don’t let it paralyze you. Identify obstacles that prevent you from moving forward and work on overcoming them. A psychologist can be a valuable resource to help you address and resolve your inner fears, providing you with strategies to face them bravely.
Challenge Thought and Behavior Patterns: Thought and behavior patterns can maintain persistent problems in our lives. It is crucial to identify negative or unhealthy patterns and get strategies to challenge them and replace them with more positive thoughts and actions.
Learn to Cope with Adversity: Facing persistent problems can be difficult, but learning to cope with adversity is an essential skill to overcome them. A professional will teach you coping and resilience techniques that will allow you to manage stress and difficulties more effectively.
Cultivate Patience and Perseverance: Solving persistent problems can take time and effort. Cultivating patience and perseverance is key to maintaining focus and motivation throughout the process.
Learn to Take Care of Yourself: The process of change can be emotionally demanding, so it is crucial to learn to take care of yourself along the way. Take time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies. Self-care is essential to maintain an emotional balance as you move toward your goals.
Seek Professional Support: A mental health professional can be your ally on this journey of personal change. Through therapy, you can explore your deepest emotions, understand your behavioral patterns, and receive guidance to overcome challenges. It will provide you with valuable tools so that you can cope with difficult times and stay on course for your new life.

The path of change can be exciting and enriching. By making the decision to transform aspects of your life, you are demonstrating a commitment to your personal growth and well-being. Do not forget that each step forward, however small, brings you closer to the most authentic and full version of yourself. Both your closest people and a psychologist can help you find other alternatives to your solution.

Do you have an example when you applied a creative solution to a persistent problem and it worked?