I am so sorry about all the "ums"

References

Bill Matulich. (2013, May 30). Introduction to motivational interviewing [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3MCJZ7OGRk

Hohman, M. (2024b). Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change and Grow (4th edition). William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick. Social Work, 69(4), 406–407. https://doi.org/10.1093/sw/swae040

Engaging skills in action - oars. Psychwire. (n.d.). https://psychwire.com/free-resources/therapy-demonstrations/resource-1gk8qyi/engaging-skills-in-action-oars

Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2023). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change (3rd ed). The Guilford Press.

Hecht, J., Carr, C., Allicock, M., & Dundon, P. (2014). Motivational interviewing for integrated primary care [PowerPoint slides]. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center. https://www.mirecc.va.gov/cih-visn2/Documents/Provider_Education_Handouts/Motivational%20Interviewing%20for%20Integrated%20Primay%20Care%20PowerPoint.pdf

Miller, William R, and Stephen Rollnick. Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change. 3rd ed., London; New York, The Guilford Press, 2013.

Hohman, M. (2024, July 22). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change and grow (4th edition). William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick. Social Work, 69(4), 406–407. https://doi.org/10.1093/sw/swae040

Psychwire. (2019). What does the acronym OARS mean in motivational interviewing? [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/8JI0IL9wRjo?si=p0FqSGy0Mw4FUtCX

Reference

Motivational Interviewing
William R. Miller, W. R., & Stephen Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.

Matulich, B. [Bill Matulich] (2013, May 30). Introduction to Motivational Interviewing [Video].  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3MCJZ7OGRk

Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change. Guilford Press. 

Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change (3rd ed.). The Guilford Press.

‌

References:

Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2023). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change (4th ed.). The Guilford Press.

Hepworth, D. H., Rooney, R. H., Rooney, G. D., & Strom-Gottfried, K. (2017). Direct social work practice theory and skills, (10th ed.). Cengage Learning.

Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2014). Motivational interviewing, third edition: Helping people change (3rd ed.). Guilford Publications.

Psychwire. (n.d.). Integrating MI with other approaches. 

https://psychwire.com/free-resources/expert-insights/resource-5ka025/integrating-mi-with-other-approaches

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021). Using motivational interviewing in substance use disorder treatment (Advisory Publication No. PEP20-02-02 014).https://www.samhsa.gov

About MINT: Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers. Motivational Interviewing. (2021). https://motivationalinterviewing.org/about_mint  

Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2014). Motivational Interviewing: Helping people change (3rd ed.). The Guilford Press. 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021). Using motivational interviewing in substance use disorder treatment (Publication No. PEP20-02-02-014). https://www.samhsa.gov 

References

Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2023). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change and grow. The Guilford Press.

REFERENCE

Miller, W.R., & Rollnick, S. (2023). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change and grow. The Guilford Press.

References:

Miller, William R, and Stephen Rollnick. Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change. 3rd ed., London; New York, The Guilford Press, 2013

Psychwire. (2019). What does the acronym OARS mean in motivational interviewing? [Video]. Youtube. https://youtu.be/8JIOIL9wRjo?si=p0FqSG0MwFUtCX

References

Columbia University. (2009, October 22). Dr. William Miller, “Motivational interviewing: Facilitating change across boundaries.” YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EeCirPyq2w&t=143s

Miller, W.R., & Rollnick, S. (2014). Motivational interviewing, third edition: Helping people change (3^rd ed.). Guilford Publications

References:  

Miller, W.R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational Interviewing Helping People Change (3^rd ed.). GuilfordPress.  

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021). Advisory: Using Motivational Interviewing in Substance Use Disorder Treatment. (PEP20-02-02-014). SAMHSA. https://library.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/PEP20-02-02-014.pdf  

References:

-MerloLab. (2009, November 26). Demonstration of confrontational patient counseling (to contrast with motivational interviewing approach)[Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/80XyNE89eCs

-MerloLab. (2009, November 26).Demonstration of the motivational interviewing approach in a brief medical encounter[Video]. YouTube.https://youtu.be/URiKA7CKtfc

-Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2023). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change and grow(4th ed.). Guilford Press.

Reference:

Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change (3rd ed., pp. 155–254). The Guilford Press.

References:

Miller, W.R., & Rollnick, S. (2023)

Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change (3rd ed..).

GuilfordPress

Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013).

Motivational interviewing: Helping people change (3rd ed., pp. 155-

254). The Guilford Press.

References: MerloLab. (2009, November 26). Demonstration of confrontational patient

counseling (to contrast with motivational interviewing approach) [Video].

YouTube. https://youtu.be/80XyNE89eCs

• MerloLab. (2009, November 26). Demonstration of the motivational

interviewing approach in a brief medical encounter [Video].

YouTube. https://youtu.be/URiKA7CKtfc

• Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2023). Motivational interviewing: Helping people

change and grow (4th ed.). Guilford Press.

• University of Massachusetts Medical School. (2015, September

10). Motivational Interviewing (MI) in action: Conversation with Dr. Bill

Miller [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/A-3wZrLkZpE

Reference

Miller, W.R., & Rollnick, S. (2023). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change and grow. The Guilford Press.

Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2023). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change and grow (4th ed.). Guilford Press. Psychwire. (n.d.). Integrating MI with other approaches. https://psychwire.com/free-resources/expert-insights/resource-5ka025/integrating-mi-with-other-approaches

• Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2023). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change and grow (4th ed.). Guilford Press. • University of Massachusetts Medical School. (2015, September 10). Motivational Interviewing (MI) in action: Conversation with Dr. Bill Miller [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/A-3wZrLkZp

Miller, W.R., and Rollnick, S. (2023). Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change and Grow. The Guilford Press.

Miller, W.R., and Rollnick, S.
(2023). Motivational Interviewing:
Helping People Change and Grow.
The Guilford Press.

(2023). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change and grow (4th ed.). Guilford Press.

Psychwire. (n.d.). Integrating MI with other approaches. https://psychwire.com/free-resources/expert-insights/resource-5ka025/integrating-mi-with-other-approaches

Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change (3rd ed.). The Guilford Press.

Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.

Motivational Interviewing (Miller & Rollnick, 2013) is not a new practice for me but implementing it in a social worker role is. As a probation officer, we utilize this tool to de-escalate critical situations and establish rapport with our clients, which is not too different from a social worker’s role. However, wearing a different hat, so to speak, makes the application different for me. In probation, the focus can often feel more directive and tied to compliance, while in clinical social work the goal feels more centered on helping the client explore their own motivations, barriers, and strengths. That difference is meaningful to me because it shifts the relationship toward one that is more collaborative and growth oriented.

Learning about its application with substance abuse, SUD, and MIT is especially interesting because it is an effort to assist the client in raising their own awareness of their values and hopes for a healthy life. This supportive role of assisting an individual in learning how to advocate for their own change is really where the heart of the practice lies for me. Using a skill such as motivational interviewing is key to this process (Miller & Rollnick, 2013). The four foundational values of MINT help me connect the pieces together.

As a clinician, I hope to learn how to be a strong, active listener so that when clients provide new and important information about their growth, I can recognize it and respond in a way that helps them feel supported. I also think MI is especially valuable because it meets clients where they are, especially when they may still feel unsure, resistant, or fearful about change. Rather than pushing them before they are ready, it encourages conversation that builds trust and helps them identify their own reasons for making healthier choices.

2. Share your true thoughts and opinions, even if they’re messy or incomplete.

With time and experience, I hope to learn how to provide sessions that create open, growing environments with clear boundaries. This collaboration will be instrumental in establishing a healthy, productive client-clinician relationship. I hope that clients will feel that their voice and input are part of their own recovery, healing, and support system created in session with me. Most importantly, if I can effectively use motivational interviewing with my clients, they will feel respected and valued as individuals. To me, that respect is not just a technique, but a foundation for meaningful and lasting change.

References

Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.

Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is not entirely new to me because I have utilized many of its principles throughout my professional experience as a mental health clinician. In my work with individuals experiencing mental health crises, substance use challenges, and ambivalence toward treatment, I frequently use active listening, empathy, and strengths-based engagement techniques. However, this week's lecture provided me with a deeper understanding of the theoretical framework and evidence-based foundation behind the skills I have been using in practice.

One of the most meaningful concepts I learned was the emphasis on client autonomy and self-determination. Motivational Interviewing recognizes that meaningful and lasting change is more likely to occur when clients identify their own reasons for change rather than being directed by professionals (Miller & Rollnick, 2013). This concept strongly aligns with social work values and has reinforced my belief that clients are the experts of their own experiences.

The OARS framework Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflective listening, and Summaries was particularly valuable. While I regularly use these communication techniques in my clinical work, this week's material helped me better understand how each skill contributes to building rapport and facilitating change conversations. I reflected on how often helping professionals, including myself, can feel compelled to solve problems quickly. Motivational Interviewing reminds us that our role is not to persuade clients but to support them in exploring their own motivations and goals.

Another concept that resonated with me was "rolling with resistance." In crisis intervention settings, I often encounter individuals who are hesitant, fearful, or resistant to treatment recommendations. The MI approach encourages clinicians to approach resistance with curiosity and empathy rather than confrontation. This perspective helps create a more collaborative relationship and reduces the likelihood of power struggles.

Overall, this week's learning strengthened my appreciation for Motivational Interviewing as both a practical intervention and a philosophy of practice. Although many of the concepts were familiar due to my clinical experience, I gained a greater appreciation for the intentional use of MI techniques to promote empowerment, engagement, and positive behavioral change. Moving forward, I hope to continue refining these skills and applying them more consciously in my work with diverse client populations.

References

Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). Motivational interviewing and substance use. SAMHSA.

-From the class lecture, I learned the concept of drawing out vs imposing ideas. Basically, it's our job as social workers to draw out the client's motivation of change, while not telling them what to do. I think this is important because we can help our clients see what they need to change, rather than telling them what's needed to be done. It allows the clients to really focus on themselves and their needs/wants for change. And ultimately, it's up to the client to change, if they want to change.

-From the readings, I learned about the acronym, DARN. The D stands for Desire, A stands for Ability, R stands for Reason and N stands for Need. I thought this concept was interesting because it really breaks down a conversation that we can have with our clients to help draw out their motivations. I think this technique is helpful because it redirects the conversation back to the client's thoughts and feelings about their motivation.

 -Miller also mentioned that "An advantage in learning MI is that once you know what to listen for, your clients will provide immediate, ongoing feedback to help you improve your skills" (p. 171). With that being said, I really hope to improve my motivation interviewing skills and I am excited to see the progress of my work reflected in my client's responses.

Share your true thoughts and opinions, even if they’re messy or incomplete.

-I really like the quote from Miller (2013), "When trying to find one’s way out of a deep forest, there is a danger of wandering in circles and coming back to the same spot," (p. 166). I have siblings who struggle with substance abuse and even when they've tried to be on their best behavior, they go back into falling into the same circles.

-The book mentioned change talk, and Miller wrote that we should "Work with people at their current level of motivation and not get ahead of their clients’ readiness for change," (p. 159). I think this is an excellent point because people will not change until they see that change is needed. Otherwise, we keep going back into that deep forest of danger, wandering in circles.

-The slide in the lecture mentioned that motivation interviewing is not about "getting someone to take advice or making someone else do something.". I don't know if I agree on that because in a sense, we are trying to get clients to change their thoughts and behaviors while building a rapport with them.

-The lecture slide also mentioned to 'roll with resistance'. It states that if a client resists and sees conflict between their problems and the solution, to not confront them. And I'm not sure how I feel about that yet because I feel like if we have built a good enough rapport with the client, then sometimes, it might be acceptable to challenge their thoughts because we might be able to give them a new perspective?

References:

Miller, W.R. & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change (Third Edition). NY: Guilford Press.

I can’t help but compare this process to raising children.  I have a 26-year-old and 15-year-old and getting them from the pre-contemplation phase to the action phase is best done when they are engaged and empowered.  In my early years dealing with my young adults, I would skip the engagement phase and replace it with do it because I said so phase. I meant no harm, but it took me time to realize they have to have an alliance with me in order for us to explore goals to address the problem together.  This process relies on trust and safety and if the client doesn’t feel any of those it’s hard to build a practical plan together to address the goals agreed upon.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2021) states the underlying perspective that there is a partnership between the provider, and the client is what fosters a collaborative approach to change.

References

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021). Using Motivational Interviewing in Substance Use Disorder Treatment. Advisory. Publication No. PEP20‑02‑02‑014.”

Another thing that stood out to me was the importance of having a plan. Even when someone is motivated to make changes, they may not know where to start. I learned that social workers can help clients identify small, realistic steps that make their goals feel more achievable. This reminded me that change does not happen overnight and that progress often happens one step at a time.

My biggest takeaway is that people are more likely to move forward when they feel understood, valued, and supported. I learned that my role as a future social worker is not to tell clients what they should do, but to help them discover what is important to them and what changes they want to make. What stood out to me most was how powerful listening can be. I also learned that Motivational Interviewing helps clients find their own motivation for change instead of having someone else push them toward it. Overall, these chapters helped me better understand the importance of building trust, showing empathy, and supporting clients as they work toward their goals (Miller & Rollnick, 2013).

References

Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.

Expressing empathy is something that stood out to me when it comes to motivational interviewing, because it was not until I, for the first time in my life, could see the world through someone else’s eyes (thoughts, feelings, experiences) that I knew in my heart that this was the field for me. This is essential because everyone wants to be heard and understood. This helps the provider in setting the stage for clients to be more honest in sharing their experiences. I go to therapy myself, and I know what it feels like to have a therapist who does not seem interested in what you have to say and your story, but I also know how great it feels to feel heard and genuinely listened to. 

One of my favorite pieces of the motivational interviewing approach is the unhurried spirit and reflective engagement process. When I go to therapy, one of my biggest pet peeves is when my therapist looks over at me, then the clock, repeatedly. This makes me feel like a burden and as though I am a bother to her. I know I am not alone in this sentiment, which is why I am highly fond of the unrushed spirit that stems from motivational interviewing. 

References:

Department of Social Work, University of the Pacific. (n.d.). Introduction to motivational interviewing [Lecture slides].

Psychwire. (n.d.). Engaging skills in action – OARS [Video]. https://psychwire.com/free-resources/therapy-demonstrations/resource-1gk8qyi/engaging-skills-in-action-oars

- Bella

Reference

Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.

1. Highlight what you have learned even if it’s small or unexpected. 

• I learned that it was originally developed as a result of working with people with substance use disorders, now it's widely used across fields and professions which I think is amazing and helpful when done right.   

• Miller (2013) stated, it was developed for a particular purpose: to strengthen people’s motivation for and commit to make a particular change. 

• Something small I learned and resonated with me was that motivational intervening is about influencing choice, but ultimately the choice of whether to make a personal change always remains with the client (Miller, pg. 231, 2013).

• the acronym DARN : desire, ability reasons, and need. It’s important to refer to them as preparatory change talk because none of them alone or together indicate the change is going to happen. For example Miller (2013) states,  if a client is saying, I want to lose weight, that is a desire and it’s not the same as I will lose weight. This was very helpful to learn, especially when working with clients in the field and how small changes in wording make an impact. 

• Something else I was able to highlight that I learned about and maybe a small part was reframing and the process of reframing or reattribution can be helpful when working with a client. Reframing for example “failure” to the concept of “try” can help encourage rather than block further change attempts. I found it extremely helpful to keep in mind when doing MI with clients in the future. 

2. Share your true thoughts and opinions, even if they’re messy or incomplete. 

• My thoughts on MI are that I can definitely see why MI is so useful and effective when done right working with clients on their own personal motivation and commitment to change. I do feel that it can get a bit difficult in the steps of doing motivational interviewing when working with an involuntary client. That is something that I feel motivational interviewing may have challenges in. And I would like to know how that would look when working with an involuntary client. 

• I personally thought that it was helpful to know you can ask “wrong questions” that can possibly be asked during a motivational interview and are not recommended to ask. For example, some open  questions may be why haven’t you changed? What keeps you doing this? Why do you have to smoke? What were you thinking when you messed up? Etc. These questions can be ill advised from a motivational perspective because if the client answers them literally the expected resolve would be sustained talk. Also, too there’s a shaming tone to some of the questions being asked that can damage rapport and create discord with the client.

References 

Miller, W.R., & Rollnick, S (2013). Motivation interviewing: Helping people change (Third Edition). 

Ambivalence as we learned in Motivational Interviewing by Rollnick and Miller is the constant battle between wanting to change and wanting to remain the same. A feeling of being “stuck” in the middle. 

Personal experience: I struggle with wanting to go to the gym. I weigh out my options religiously and end up folding and not going even though I know I need to in order to feel better, be healthier, and overall approach life with more confidence. This is what the book refers to as “dancing with discord.” I am the client and the SW in this example. I have to give myself grace for not wanting to go to the gym but also handle the other side with benefits of going. When dancing with discord, we want to avoid conflicts with the client and remain neutral and understanding one example to fix discord is shifting our focus. “Kiki, you don’t want to go to the gym but I think walking for even 5 minutes a day is a good start.” 

Another thing I would like to share and reflect on is on Page 202 in the book, we learn about agreeing with a twist. I used my father as an example. He drinks and smokes cigarettes to help ease his feelings of depression. I, being the concerned and loving eldest daughter, speaks up and goes against these habits with great force (in the past). I now learn to approach him with much more neutral ground. “Dad, I understand why you smoke and drink. You’ve had a tough life. Tell me more about other things you do to help you feel better.”  

Thanks everyone for staying until the end of my video and my reflection! I look forward to seeing everyone else's and learning more! 

References: 

Miller, W.R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational Interviewing: Helping people change (3rd ed.). Guilford Press. 

I think it's easy to fall into this trap because the majority of practitioners in this field have a strong inclination to want to help and lighten the burdens the client is carrying, but in order to build trust and support the client in way that is most beneficial to them and their life, we have to let them bring us along into their life story rather than trying to pinpoint or guess where they need our support or what resources they need. Another concept that stuck with me and goes along with this is equipoise, discussed in Chapter 16. This is the practice of not using our “professional presence and skills to influence a client toward making a specific choice or change” (Miller & Rollnick, 2013, p. 233). Tying this into the premature focus trap, even though we might have a “professional hunch,” a “moral conviction,” or a preferred route we think the client should take, we choose not to influence the client’s decision and instead let them arrive at their own decision. I believe practicing both concepts can ultimately help build the client’s confidence because it communicates that they are the experts of their own lives and that they have the capacity to make decisions that are right for them. 

References:

Miller, W.R., & Rollnick, S (2013). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change (Third Edition). Guilford Press.

A new term that I learned was the “righting reflex” (Milner & Rollnick, 2012). The example the video gave was a mom correcting her child’s error while completing a puzzle, removing the puzzle piece from his hand and placing it in the right spot. She did not support him in finding an independent or collaborative solution. I knew that this phenomenon existed, but I did not know that this was the name for it... I have been working in substance misuse treatment for the past seven years and a difficult lesson that we learn is that we “cannot want it more than the client”, meaning that my instinctive righting reflex wants me to just fix everything for the client and tell them how they need to get sober rather than working collaboratively to instill motivation in them to drive change themselves. In actuality, this writing reflex is demotivating for clients and creates mistrust in the therapeutic relationship. 

The acronym “OARS” is also new to me, although the practices it outlines are not. By having an acronym available to me, I can ensure that I am checking every box on my "rubric" during session and have an organized way of ensuring all the therapeutic MI deliverables are met. 

I appreciated how chapter 13 of Milner & Rollnick (2012) stated that motivational interviewing is nothing new - it parallels our organic process of proceeding towards change. Ambivalence or contemplation is the initial step for all of us when making a decision to seek change and motivational interviewing helps people keep progressing forward through the natural process - we are essentially facilitators. 

My true thoughts on motivational interviewing are that simply, it makes sense. MI was initially developed to work with substance misuse treatment populations and that is the population I have the most experience with. Prior to receiving formal clinical training when I had just started working in the field, myself newly in recovery, I cultivated some of these skills on my own, just based on micro interpersonal interactions and gaining an understanding of what clients need when they are at their lowest. They need people to listen, to affirm, to validate, and to help them understand their capability for change. Receiving in-depth history and training on motivational interviewing will allow me to tie together practices that I’ve learned in the field with foundational social work theory, elevating my clinical abilities. 

References

Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2012). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.

The part of MI that resonated with me most was the focus on collaboration and autonomy. I often work with students and job seekers who are interested in furthering their education, finding employment, or overcoming barriers that have made it difficult to move forward. Sometimes my instinct is to jump into problem-solving mode because I genuinely want to help. However, MI challenges me to slow down, listen, and ask questions that help people explore what they want for themselves. Instead of saying, "Here's what you should do," I can help them identify their own strengths, values, and next steps. This feels much more empowering and aligns with the strengths-based perspective we use in social work.

I also found myself thinking about how MI connects to my work training college student navigators who provide peer-to-peer support. Many of our navigators want to help students immediately by offering solutions, resources, or advice. While those things are important, MI reminds us that building trust and understanding someone's perspective comes first. Teaching navigators to use open-ended questions, reflective listening, and empathy can help students feel heard rather than judged. It creates space for students to identify their own goals and become active participants in their growth and decision-making.

As I continue developing my social work skills, I want to become more intentional about resisting the urge to "fix" problems and instead focus on helping people recognize the strengths and motivation they already possess. Motivational Interviewing reinforced for me that lasting change often comes from within, and our role is to help create the conditions where that change can emerge.

References:

Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.

Personal Experience Learning:

One of the greatest things I struggle with, at least in my personal life, is telling people what to do. I often like to boss around my dad, my sister, sometimes my boyfriend, and definitely my younger cousins. When they come to me with an issue, it is so easy for me to see the solution. I see it so clearly that I often forget to see their perspective or why it might be difficult for them to implement the change or solution. After I give my unsolicited advice, I am often met with resistance. I get the occasional “You don’t know what it’s like” or “You are not living it so you can’t really have an opinion.” All of this is true. Though it is easy for me to be more professional as we role-play and learn how to provide therapeutic services, this does not always carry over. However, this week taught me that although it is necessary to be professional in work or educational settings, I should also apply the Motivational Interviewing principles with those around me. This would allow my loved ones to feel heard, understood, and supported.

 Learned Material:

Motivational Interviewing encourages the client; it does not tell them what to do. I think this is incredibly valuable because it gives the client a feeling of autonomy and self-confidence that can contribute to meaningful change. The text explains the “DARN CATs” acronym as a useful tool that can help generate questions that elicit change talk, statements that express the idea of change (Miller & Rollnick, 2013). This acronym explores the client’s own motivation for change through the lens of desire, ability, reasons, and need. Though the questions aren’t comprehensive in eliciting change, they contribute to change talk and make the client aware of their own motivations.

2. Share your true thoughts and opinions, even if they’re messy or incomplete.

• One of the most valuable things I learned was that it is possible to ask the wrong questions. As mentioned above, when I would offer unsolicited advice or undermine my family’s barriers to change, I was often met with resistance. The text reaffirms that certain questions can cause shame, damage rapport, and create discord (Miller & Rollnick, 2013). I believe that this is what was causing the discomfort in my loved ones and why I was met with frustration instead of appreciation. 

• The text provides further support by rephrasing the wrong questions into more suitable ones that allow the client to focus on the negative consequences of their situation and how their habit might be harming them, into more acceptable and supportive formats. My true opinion is that we should be mindful of what our tone sounds like, how our backgrounds might be affecting our judgement, and what biases we hold in order to ensure we are not asking the “wrong questions” and instead be as supportive as possible. We all have negative experiences, so being aware of how they cloud our judgement is necessary to make sure we aren’t critical of our clients.

After reading the chapters from our book on motivational interviewing and reflecting on them, I think the main takeaway for me is that we are working with clients, not telling clients what to do. We're not trying to impose our own ideas or assume that we know what's best for them.

One of the concepts that really stood out to me was the idea of the "expert trap" discussed in the early chapters. Throughout the readings, the underlying message seems to be that we need to work alongside clients. Our role is to encourage them to find their own solutions, identify the path that works best for them, and discover ways to move forward.

Even in the later chapters, the book discusses whether we can provide guidance or advice. It can be very tempting because clients may ask, "What should I do?" As human beings, our natural response is often to offer advice based on our own experiences. We want to help by telling them what worked for us. However, motivational interviewing teaches us that helping is really about building a collaborative relationship. We guide clients toward finding their own path and create a space where they can recognize that many of the answers already exist within themselves.

We also learned about using different communication techniques, such as asking open-ended questions and avoiding questions that simply generate yes-or-no answers. We're not just reading through a checklist or completing a questionnaire. We're trying to make a meaningful impact in our clients' lives.

These readings made me reflect on my own work. I work with college students as a Student Success Specialist. My role involves connecting students with resources both on and off campus, as well as helping students who are struggling academically or are at risk of probation get back on track. Most of my meetings are very goal-oriented.

Fortunately, I've received some training on how to navigate these conversations. My team and I try to create a space where students can share what's happening in their lives while we provide tools, resources, and sometimes suggestions. I'll admit that there have been times when I've said things like, "Well, maybe you should do this." However, after reading these chapters, I want to make a greater effort to let my students lead the conversation and discover their own solutions. I want them to know that they are capable of figuring things out, and that I'm there to help them find the path that works best for them.

I really enjoyed these readings. There's a lot of information to absorb, and I think I need to go back and read them again to fully understand some of the concepts. As the book points out, motivational interviewing is a skill that requires practice. The more we practice, the better we become.

I also think motivational interviewing fits very well with a strengths-based approach to counseling. At the end of the day, everything is connected. It's about the client. It's about creating space for clients. It's not about finding answers for them; it's about helping them find their own answers and empowering them to trust themselves and their ability to make decisions that are best for them.

The biggest thing I learned is that helping someone does not always mean giving them a solution. I learned that not everyone needs me to give them a solution. Sometimes helping means listening first, understanding where the person is, and helping them find their own reason to change.

I noticed something about myself: I usually like to give solutions. When someone tells me about a problem, my first reaction is to think, “What can they do?” or “How can we fix this?” I think it comes from a good place because I want to help. But Motivational Interviewing helped me understand that giving advice right away is not always the best way to support someone.

One thing I learned from psychology is that people are not always ready to hear advice. Even if the advice is good, the person may not accept it until they feel ready and understood. If someone feels pushed or judged, they may become defensive or shut down. But if they feel heard, they may become more open to thinking about change.

I also learned the importance of meeting the client where they are. Not every client is ready to change right away, and some clients may only be thinking about change. I learned that this is still part of the process. Instead of judging the client or pushing them, the social worker should respect where the client is and support them from that place.

Another thing I learned is that asking open-ended questions is very powerful. Questions like, “What do you think would help?” or “What would be different if things changed?” can help the client reflect more deeply.

I cannot say that I love Motivational Interviewing yet because I still need more practice. Sometimes it feels unnatural for me because I want to jump in and give the answer. But I can see why MI is important.

Overall, I learned that I need to practice slowing down, listening more, and asking better questions. For me, MI is still something I need to practice, but I understand now that listening can be just as powerful as giving advice.

 A lesson I learned , especially, is the importance of actively listening and not speaking. Reflecting on my own behaviors, I realize I am quick to interrupt to point out solutions and not ask enough questions. MI counters that by promoting curiosity , empathy and collaboration, as it is the client and I working together and not me working for the client. The efficacy of open -ended questions, affirmations, and reflective listening , was genuinely shocking and proves to be a more supportive change. The article on using Motivational Interviewing in Substance Use Disorder treatment expressed the value of MI especially among populations that are conflicted or resistant. It emphasizes the importance of avoiding trying to “fix” the situation, as I find myself doing. Encouragement and empathy can assist us in understanding clients rather than fixing which fosters trust and partnership.

I realize that MI requires continuous practice , intention, and dedication to use it effectively. My therapist is a LCSW and realizing many of her techniques require MI. I talk more than she does in sessions and she often asks open-ended questions that I answer to get to the answer I need. She never interrupts and I never feel pressure to change , rather I often feel my own desire or motivation to change. I can very well say that I have improved so much and always feel consistent empowerment to reach my goals. I can definitely understand how having the clients identify their own motivation to change can result in sustainable outcomes. 

Overall this lesson has definitely taught me to change my approach in helping others. “Fixing” is not my role, rather I am a guide or support for others to assist them in self -determination and understanding their own power to change.

References:

Miller, W.R. & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change (3rd

ed.).The Guilford Press.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021). Using motivational interviewing in substance use disorder treatment. SAMHSA Library

When I work with individuals with SMI, a lot of time is spent in the contemplative stage where we try to work through ambivalence. Some of my clients are seeking employment for the first time and others struggle to maintain employment. Many of my clients face systemic barriers and many of them because they struggle with internalized oppression:

·         I can’t work because if I make too much money, I’ll lose my benefits (i.e. SNAP, Housing, SSI, etc.)

·         I can’t work because I’m schizophrenic. People don’t want to be around me.  

M.I. is the best tool I have available have to shift conversations away from sustain talk and emphasize change talk and, hopefully, motivate clients to take steps towards action or maintaining a change they’ve made for themselves.

However, most of my training has been provided in a professional context and focused within the context of helping individuals find employment. Learning about M.I. through academics has provided me with a more classical perspective of outside of supported employment. My training has been introductory and so I was only presented with the “most useful tools” needed to fulfil my obligations: The broad stages of change from precontemplation to maintenance/relapse, The concept of motivational interviewing, and OARS. I really enjoyed being able to learn and explore the nuances of M.I. through study.

For example, Phrases associated with DARN-CAT are all items that I interact with daily but didn’t have a name for. We also spent more time on M.I.’s more positive components. Discord was an entirely new concept to me. Learning about it as “signals of disharmony in your collaborative relationship (Miller, 2013)” with clients and learning about the signals of smoke alarms to disengagement has been an eye-opener. I liked learning how the very human reactions of social workers can contribute to discord. “Discord can also arise from the clinician’s mood or approach…when (they) are feeling tired, under stress or distracted… stop listening or…righting reflex twitches (Miller, 2013).”

Too me this highlights the collaborative nature of M.I. and the importance for social workers to emphasize active listening, zeroing in on language cues, and focus on strength-based approaches.

The key takeaways for me when it comes to M.I. are the that:

·         That the processes of surrounding considering change (i.e. Precontemplation to Action, DARN-CAT) are normal processes that everyone undergoes. M.I provides us with framework to have these conversations and steer the focus toward change talk.

·         M.I. is strength-based and requires the utilization of active listening and other strength based techniques (i.e OARS) to be successful.

·         M.I. is collaborative in nature. Social workers should resist the “righting reflex,” be mindful of the language they use, and acknowledge how hey can contribute to discord.    

References

Miller, W.R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational Interviewing: Helping people change (3^rd ed.). Guilford Press.   

Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.

Miller, W. R., & Rollnick,

S. (2013). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change (3rd ed.).

Guilford Press.

Motivational Interviewing is more complex than just listening and offering solutions. It is helping the client see their problems, reflect, and have them find the changes that need to be addressed. As social workers, we are not to tell the client what we think they should do, identify their problems, or make them feel terrible for what they are going through. We are allowing the client to run their sessions while offering reflective summaries, identifying changes they want to make, and offer motivation to make those changes.  

The most interesting MI tool I liked learning about was the forest of ambivalence that intertwines sustain and change talk. How Miller and Rollick describe the forest of ambivalence as someone who is in a forest and essentially lost. Trying to find their way out, having them focus on three trees that are similar in distance. When going from one tree to the other, the client continues to find the next tree that falls in line with the last ones. Continuing to follow trees in a straight line, avoids circling around, and helps the client find their way out of the forest. (Miller & Rollnick, 2013, pp. 166). This type of MI is important as you do not want clients to remain in the sustain talk. More so, encourage the change talk to find the way out of what they are dealing with, whether that is dealing with alcoholism, substance abuse, depression, etc. I feel like this was an important tool to understand and grasp, while using this as a basis to identify the different solutions.

Another MI skill thing that stood out to me was balancing the sustain talk and change talk. I really liked the quote “It is not necessary to eliminate the storm or the noise, just follow the signal” (Miller & Rollnick, 2013, pp. 178). This quote was a nice reminder that there can be sustain and change talk throughout the interview, but it is important to continue to encourage the change talk. This helps the interview roll smoothly, identifying the changes the person wants/desires, and motivate them in that direction versus staying in this static sustaining talk. This encourages a light at the end of the tunnel to their struggles.

I enjoyed reading about change talk and sustain talk. Identifying ways someone can change without telling them or forcing the change but having them come up with their own ideas to change. If they maintain sustain talk, there is no room for growth in changing. I did find the interviews hard to follow, partly because I must reteach myself to Motivational Interview and not just peer counsel. I sense that once I am in the field, I will experience many trial and errors. I fear doing this in the field and ultimately discouraging the client in seeking further support. Overall, MI has some very informational and encouraging tactics for counseling clients.

References:

Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change (3^rd ed.). Guilford Press.

The concept of motivational interviewing reminds me a lot about how in general, it is difficult for someone to stick to a new routine or work towards achieving their goals if they are being forced to do so. For instance, if someone were to tell me that I need to change my diet (like going vegan) to achieve my health goals, I highly doubt that I could stick to a diet like that for longer than a few days. However, if a motivational interviewing approach were to be taken instead, I likely would suggest goals for myself that I find to be attainable, like running 3 miles a week or eating vegetables with every meal. I think it is normal for every client to have their own preferences, and it is impossible for their therapist to know exactly what will work best for them, so motivational interviewing is an effective way to let the client take the lead on their goals for change.

References :

Substance abuse and mental health services administration advisory page 1 of 10. (n.d.-c). https://library.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/PEP20-02-02-014.pdf

Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.

MI has given me further insight of what my role would be as a social worker. It gave me a better understanding of how direct social work would look like when working with clients. A concept that resonated with me was collaboration versus confrontation. It is very easy to want to give advice or telling a client what we think they should do. MI puts emphasis on working with the clients and not telling them what to do with their own lives.

Autonomy and respecting our client’s rights to make their own decisions is important. This directly aligns with the social work values of dignity, worth, and self-determination. Client empowerment will promote more change than feeling pressured to make that change.

In Miller and Rollnick’s Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change and Grow, it spoke about recognizing change talk and how to tune into it so we could gain evoking skills that would move towards a common goal. This really stood out because instead of trying to convince our clients, we are to help them come out with their own reasoning about their desire and commitment to change something that they do not like. For example, the statement “If I get into a routine of checking my blood sugar, I think I can stick with it” (Miller & Rollnick, 2023, p. 180) with the MI consistent response of “You’re someone who persists once you make up your mind to do something and figure out a way” (Miller & Rollnick, 2023, p. 180). This is a clear example of how MI supports the client’s strength and self-efficacy instead of trying to persuade them to check their blood sugar.

MI is about helping clients find their own voice and their confidence. As a social worker, we are just here to support and guide them so we can have respectful, client-centered relationships that will support lasting change for the clients we serve.

References

Miller, W.R., & Rollnick, S. (2023). Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change and Grow (4th ed.). Guilford Press.

Reference: 

Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2023). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change and grow (4th ed.). Guilford Press.

However, I kept feeling that there was an emotional block that made me nervous. I'm the oldest in my family. If you know anything about oldest siblings, you know we have a certain set of skills. Everyone comes to us for advice and expects us to be the fixer. I like to think of it as a feature, not a flaw. I've realized that being the big sister was never just about giving advice. It was really about the relationship and making sure the people I cared about knew I supported them. Sometimes I showed that by speaking up, but sometimes I should have listened more.

Motivational interviewing taught me that stepping back doesn't mean leaving someone alone. It's just a different way of being there for them. When we reflect on what a client says, ask open questions that let them think out loud, and point out their strengths, we're not being passive. We're actually doing something harder than just giving answers. We're creating the space for real, lasting change. When people make the case for their own change, they're much more likely to stick with it. So I'm learning to let the big sister in me do something she was never good at: wait. I try to ask one more question rather than give one more answer. I remind myself to trust that the person in front of me has something valuable to discover, even if I think I already know what it is.

Because the most important thing I can do for a client isn't to give them my answer. It's to help them find their own.

Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2015). Motivational interviewing. Lambertus.

References

Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.

MI is a collaborative therapeutic approach that guides clients in progress towards their goals and motivation to change. According to Miller and Rollnick (2023), MI is a method of communication that utilizes strength-based language to motivate clients towards change, change that is the client's own goal for themselves.

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Dr. Theresa Moyers said that MI is a “way of being with your client” (Psychwire, n.d.). She mentions that the intention to be person-centered is what distinguishes MI from professional behavior and technique-focused methods of engaging with clients. Combining the style of MI with professional / therapeutic behaviors and techniques provides clients with real possibilities for engagement in their healing process. Since intention is placed on the client as a person rather than just a client, clients are, as Dr. Theresa said, more likely to come back.

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MI largely gives the client the autonomy to decide on their treatment and does not force a specific goal, advice, or point of view. This makes MI interesting because it requires active listening skills, which require deep intentionality. As the professor mentioned in his PowerPoint, it is “drawing out vs. imposing ideas”.

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I didn’t realize how difficult it is to take an MI approach to speaking with others. I also didn’t realize how natural it was for me to impose my own ideas and thoughts when speaking to someone. This is especially true for me when I’m speaking with people who are close to me, who are engaging in behaviors that are not healthy for them. I tend to impose ideas and indirectly tell them what to do. I don’t do it maliciously, but this approach usually shuts down the conversation. I think when we impose ideas and focus on the problem versus the person, we take away the opportunity to build connections with people, which is a foundational aspect of real change. Real change has to rest in the client's hands, and MI allows this to happen, and it’s empowering when it does.

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References:

Miller, W.R., & Rollnick, S. (2023). Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change and Grow (4th ed.). Guilford Press.

Psychwire. (n.d.). Integrating MI with other approaches [Video]. Psychwire. https://psychwire.com/free-resources/expert-insights/resource-5ka025/integrating-mi-with-other-approaches