Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, person-centred conversation style designed to strengthen a person's own motivation and commitment to change. It works by evoking and amplifying the client's intrinsic reasons for change, rather than imposing them from outside.
What it is
Developed by clinical psychologists William Miller and Stephen Rollnick in the 1980s initially for addiction treatment, MI has since been applied across health, education, social work, and coaching. It rests on the observation that ambivalence — wanting to change and not wanting to change simultaneously — is a normal part of the change process, not a sign of failure.
The spirit of MI involves partnership, acceptance (including affirmation and autonomy support), compassion, and evocation (drawing out the client's own wisdom and motivation). Core techniques include open questions, affirmations, reflective listening, and summaries (OARS). Practitioners also learn to recognise and respond to change talk — verbal signals of motivation — and to navigate resistance without confrontation.
How it is used in coaching
MI techniques are highly transferable to coaching, particularly when clients are ambivalent about change, stuck in contemplation, or self-sabotaging. Coaches use MI to help clients articulate their own reasons for change, explore the pros and cons of different paths, and build commitment to specific actions. The non-directive, autonomy-respecting stance of MI aligns well with coaching's fundamental philosophy.
Key benefits & applications
Evidence-based; works with ambivalence rather than against it; respects client autonomy; effective for behaviour change across many domains; reduces resistance and defensiveness.
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