Motivational Interviewing

Motivational interviewing (MI) is helpful for individuals struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health conditions. MI involves a non-judgemental and empathetic conversation with a therapist to help increase our clients’ motivation to change their behaviors.

By exploring each individual’s values, goals, and concerns, TRUE Addiction and Behavioral Health’s motivational interviewing in Murfreesboro, TN, identifies and reinforces self-determination to begin making more positive changes.

With guidance, clients gain insights into their drug abuse patterns and mental health symptoms while developing coping strategies to reduce their use.

This allows you to work toward recovery. With this approach, clients have the majority ownership in the recovery process as they work to achieve personal goals.

What is Motivational Interviewing Therapy?

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a fairly new treatment approach in clinical psychology compared to some of our other evidence-based practices. William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick introduced MI as a solution to the limitations of different methods. They used a person-centered technique developed by Carl Rogers and further developed that into MI.

MI began when Miller and Rollnick were researching alcohol addiction. They studied the communication styles of different therapists and how that counseling style impacted reframing an individual’s thinking about alcohol use disorder (AUD).

With the gaps they noticed, they created the fundamental principles and techniques that worked to improve therapy sessions through the effectiveness of motivational interviewing. As other clinicians started incorporating the practices into their sessions, they saw improved treatment outcomes for substance use disorders (SUD).

By the early 2000s, MI was used for other recovery areas, including mental health disorders, social work, and various public health sectors. By the 2010s, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recognized MI as an evidence-based approach to behavior change. Carlos Diclemente has continued to further the research of Miller and Rollnick.

Motivational Interviewing remains a widely used approach in addiction treatment, healthcare, and mental health. MI consistently demonstrates effectiveness in helping individuals explore their motivations for change and enhancing their commitment to positive life changes.

The process of change is essential to MI. It includes engaging, focusing, evoking, and planning. As a client-centered and empathetic approach, MI empowers our clients to take charge of their behavior change journey, making it an invaluable tool for recovery.

Five Principles of Motivational Interviewing

Express Empathy
Acceptance facilitates change. Our therapists teach you how to express acceptance, not agreement. We accomplish this through skillful reflective listening. Reflective listening means paying attention to other people, listening to what they have to say, and ensuring the other person feels heard and understood. Don’t be afraid of open-ended questions when communicating with others.

Develop Discrepancy
Awareness of the consequences of one’s actions is essential. When you understand how your behavior impacts the outcome of a situation, you can make better decisions. Change talk, which shows your commitment to change and openness, is important.

Avoid Argument
Resistance to change doesn’t allow you to make progress in life. You fail to allow for open communication if you go into a situation with resistance and defensiveness by your own motivation. Understanding that one’s attitude shapes their words, you can respond more effectively.

Roll with Resistance
Be open to using the momentum you’ve built up in recovery to your advantage with MI. Be open to new perspectives and ways of approaching familiar and new situations. Remember that you have control over the decisions you make.

Support Self-Efficacy
When engaging in motivational interviewing, you must come with the mindset that change is possible. Your readiness and willingness to be open to new problem-solving approaches will benefit your success. Don’t be afraid of self-assessment, taking a personal inventory of how you view the world, and speaking positive affirmations to yourself. The more self-aware and motivated you are, the more you will get out of MI.

Importance of Motivational Interviewing for Recovery

Since its introduction, motivational interviewing has proven effective in allowing our clients to explore their motivation for change and how committing to it can open the doors to many positive lifestyle changes.

Don’t be afraid to take charge of your behavior change journey. This form of psychotherapy can evoke stages of change that will promote positive healing through your motivation.

Motivational interviewing can help with the following:

Mental Health Disorders
Mental health disorders are psychiatric conditions that affect a person’s thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and overall mental well-being. People with mental health disorders experience thinking, mood, and behavior disturbances. They feel a sense of distress, which can impair their ability to function in daily life and impact their overall quality of life.

Substance Use Disorders (SUD)
Substance use disorders (SUDs) are conditions characterized by the recurrent and problematic use of substances such as alcohol, drugs (both illicit and prescription), and other substances. SUDs are considered mental health disorders since they affect thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and overall well-being.

Co-occurring Disorders
Dual diagnosis is common in recovery environments. Many individuals struggling with substance abuse also have co-occurring mental health disorders. Conditions like depression, anxiety, or PTSD are common. This combination can complicate treatment. One condition can intensify the other and vice versa.

Aftercare
Aftercare offers ongoing recovery support. Through motivational interviewing during aftercare, individuals can continue gaining tools for gaining long-term sobriety and wellness.

Recovery from substance use disorders (SUD) and mental health disorders is lifelong. The risk of relapse remains, especially during the early days of recovery. There are triggers everywhere, like stress or environments associated with previous substance use. These risk factors can increase the chances of relapse and return to old habits.

We offer options that allow you to step down and enter a continuum of care through aftercare solutions.

• Relapse Prevention
• 12-Step Programs
• Life Coaching
• Recovery Coaching

Why Choose TRUE For Motivational Interviewing

We have a primary reason for motivational interviewing: helping people change for the better. Our treatment center is safe, supportive, and inclusive. Your therapy is part of an integrated treatment plan for your unique needs.

You can receive motivational interviewing at each level of care, including partial hospitalization program (PHP), intensive outpatient program (IOP), and our sober living program. Our providers will be there every step of the way as your health condition changes throughout treatment.

Our clinicians work with you to lay out realistic treatment goals. Then we will provide the services that will empower you to achieve your milestones.

We aim to discover the roots of an individual’s challenges through a holistic approach. Motivational interviewing complements this whole approach. It goes beyond the symptoms and underlying trauma for a complete healing process.

Our guiding tenants at TRUE were founded on the premise that recovery is about restoring the heart and mind. We keep this at the forefront of equipping individuals to live their fullest potential.

Motivational interviewing aligns with TRUE’s specialties, connection, community, and love values. We foster an environment where every individual can find their authentic self.

Our Programs Use Motivational Interviewing

Experience a luxurious and highly personalized recovery journey at TRUE Addiction and Behavioral Health. Once you step inside, you’ll immediately see the difference our programs can make in your life. 

Intensive Outpatient Program

Our intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a refined blend of immersive therapy, one-on-one counseling, and practical skill learning. If you don’t need the rigid 24/7 structure of inpatient, IOP is the best option.

The benefits of IOP include the following:

• A just-for-you approach that addresses all elements of your addiction. IOP requires fewer hours, so we make the most of these. 
• Flexibility to maintain your regular life while receiving care at the time of day that works for you. You can start your day with morning IOP or wrap up your day with evening IOP.  
• No overnight stay is required. You attend IOP three to five days a week. It usually lasts about three months and up to six months. You don’t have to put your life on pause.
• We ensure that you maintain medication adherence in a setting where you can be monitored for changes.
• Lower cost compared to a complete residential center or PHP. 

Partial Hospitalization Program

Our partial hospitalization program (PHP) is our more involved outpatient program. It involves rigorous daily attendance for 30 hours each week. We recommend this before starting IOP for a smooth transition. You still get to go home to your everyday life, so you don’t miss anything. 

The benefits of PHP include the following:

• We provide structured support with a consistent daily schedule of therapy sessions, counseling, and educational activities to help our clients establish routines.
• Flexibility and independence allow you to continue living at home. You return home in the evenings to continue your obligations outside of treatment.
• PHP is often used as a step-down option for individuals transitioning from a higher level of care, such as inpatient or residential treatment. It bridges more intensive treatment and independent living, ensuring a smooth transition and ongoing support.
• Our PHP offers various therapeutic services, including individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, medication management, and skill-building sessions. These services are an enhancement to your treatment program.
• Participating in a PHP allows individuals to connect with others who are going through similar experiences. Group therapy sessions and peer support provide a sense of community and understanding.
• PHP offers intensive treatment comparable to inpatient care without needing 24/7 hospitalization. This makes it a more cost-effective option while providing the necessary support and treatment intensity.
• PHP treatment plans are tailored to meet individual needs. Therapists and treatment teams work closely with participants to develop personalized goals and address specific challenges they may face.
• We help individuals develop and practice essential coping skills, relapse prevention strategies, and life skills necessary for successful independent living. It prepares individuals for a smoother transition as they gradually reintegrate into their daily routines.

Sober Living Program

Our sober living program offers structured housing that provides additional accountability through drug tests and curfews. Sober living is often used in conjunction with PHP and IOP. Sober living is often used with PHP and IOP and makes for an easier transition back to daily life and obligations.

We have four sober living models depending on your treatment needs. They include the following:

• Peer-Run: This format is an informed residence where people who already know each other live together during their recovery. The residents agree on the rules of the house.
• Monitored: A senior resident supervises the house. Residents can expect to attend house meetings, have drug screenings, and follow pre-established house rules.
• Supervised: Our treatment facility has direct involvement in this format. We provide consistent monitoring of the mental health conditions of our clients.
• Integrated: This sober living structure is a transitional format for our clients completing their addiction treatment program. Our therapists come to the homes and guide life and coping skills development.

Get Ready for Motivational Interviewing to Improve Your Life

Seeking help for addiction or mental health challenges can be challenging and nuanced. However, with the proper professional guidance and tools like motivational interviewing, a healthier, brighter future is within reach.

At our Murfreesboro, TN, recovery center, our therapists use motivational interviewing in our treatment programs. We are a primary care treatment provider for this therapy. Turn your obstacles to your advantage. We will show you how at TRUE Addiction and Behavioral Health. Reach out to our team of professionals to learn more and start your journey toward recovery today.