Motivational Interviewing Scenarios

Introduction
The motivational interviewing video was very informative. It not only described the five guidelines for conducting the technique, but it also demonstrated how motivational interviewing is done.
The insight gained while watching the video allowed self-reflection and even motivated me to change the way I view working with clients. Motivational interviewing is a style in which I am not familiar. However, it makes complete sense to use this approach when the common goal is for the client to make a healthy change and it appears to be very beneficial when working with a variety of client situations.
Key Points
The most important key point that I gathered from the video, is that motivational interviewing is a client-centered approach that allows the client to be in control of his or her outcomes. This approach demonstrates a level of respect between the client and therapist and allows the client to be authentic and remain in control of his or her destiny with the guidance of the therapist.
Miller utilized strategies to pull out what already existed in his client to help work towards making a healthy lifestyle change. He went into the session hopeful and with the knowledge that the client knew himself better than anyone

else. Therefore, he worked with him to highlight his strengths. The client displayed ambivalence and he recognized it and was supportive of the client’s freedom of choice to change when the time was/is right for him.
Another key point was Miller’s ability to “dance with the client” versus “wrestle with the client”. As mentioned in the video, there were several opportunities for Miller to “wrestle with the client,” but instead he rolled with resistance, which is one of the five guidelines that Miller discussed for motivational interviewing.
While using the motivational interviewing approach, the fact that Miller was very respectful and patient with the client stood out the most. Although the client was very chatty, I felt that Miller never appeared to be impatient with his ambivalence.
Helpful Information
The most beneficial information provided by this model was Miller’s ability to ask open ended questions and the use of his reflective listening skills. In my opinion, these skills laid the framework for developing the trustworthy relationship and allowed the client to be forthcoming with information.
The video challenged me to view the confrontational approach in a new way. In my personal life, I often confront or “call individuals out” on their behaviors in efforts to get them to become more aware or change the behavior(s) as an attempt to help. Over the years, I have noticed that the confrontational method is not very effective with everyone. However, I can see the benefits of motivational interviewing. It is a method that can be very empowering for clients and/or loved ones.
The “dancing versus wrestling” perspective was most helpful. It is something that I will use while working with clients in the future. The client-centered approach allowed me to view the “true meaning” of client-centered and the benefits that it has to offer.
Questionable
Not being educated properly on substance abuse, allowed me to feel that was a population that I was not interested in working.

However, after Miller’s video, I feel that it could possibly be an area worth exploring. I cannot say there were any strategies used that did not make sense. I am a motivator by nature; therefore, motivational interviewing is quite intriguing and nothing in the video pushed my buttons. I cannot say that something would not fit with my style of work. However, in the past I have enjoyed utilizing the “righting reflex,” but after gaining more knowledge about working to help individuals create healthy change, I am working towards becoming a more effective practitioner and dissociating myself from the “righting

reflex”.
After the session, someone brought up the fact that Miller did not shed light to the client’s drug use. This may have been questionable to some, but after reading the required readings and watching the video, I had a better understanding as to why he did not make that a focal point.
What would you do differently?
Miller is the expert on motivational interviewing and I am very supportive of his client-centered approach. However, before learning about his approach, I always thought the goal when working with individuals who experience substance abuse was to lead them into the direction of abstaining from the illicit drug(s) or alcohol. Miller’s approach has taught me that ultimately the decision is left up to the client. Although as the practitioner, we are optimistic that the client will become drug free we must be supportive of their decision and be there as a guide to help them along the way. In my opinion, the client-centered approach is more beneficial in actually witnessing change.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I am happy to have had the opportunity to learn about motivational interviewing. Both, the course readings and video are great tools to increase knowledge about the topic. While reading, I was able to self-reflect and realized although I enjoy helping people, I may have hurt several individuals along the way. My family, often depend on me to be the voice of reason, and I see why my confrontational approach as a way to help may have had an adverse effect.
Listening to Miller discuss how he deals with his own ambivalence was very reassuring that I can learn to diminish the “righting reflex”. I also appreciate Miller for stressing the point of not using labels. I feel that labels stigmatize individuals and some use them for their benefit and some are harmed due to labels that are attached to them. Miller also gave very insightful information on how to work with clients who are not as chatty as the client he worked with in the video that was very beneficial.
Overall, I feel that the information gathered on motivational interviewing was very insightful. It has allowed me to perceive the way I help people in a different light.