Motivational Interviewing (MI)

MI is a collaborative and non-judgmental approach designed to help youth to explore their own reasons for wanting to change and strengthen their motivation to take action. MI focuses on autonomy and the belief that every individual has the ability to make positive changes in their life. Therapy is viewed as a space where that potential is unlocked through gently guided self-reflection and support. The therapist meets the youth where they are at, creating a foundation of trust and respect. This approach fosters a sense of personal responsibility and empowerment, helping youth feel more in control of their decisions and their journey in therapy.

In practice, MI techniques can be integrated into other therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) to enhance treatment outcomes at various stages. MI can be particularly valuable in the early stages of therapy when youth may feel ambivalent or uncertain about the need for change. This approach supports youth in identifying and resolving discrepancies between their current behaviours and their long-term goals and values, strengthening their intrinsic commitment to change. MI has been shown by research to be effective in reducing substance use, improving engagement in mental health treatments, and promoting health-related behavioral change in youth.

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