Florida Motivational Interviewing for Substance Abuse
Motivational interviewing is a therapeutic technique for helping people make changes in their lives. It has been applied effectively to the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction.
Motivational interviewing is based on three key concepts: collaboration between the therapist and the person with the addiction (rather than confrontation by the therapist); drawing out the individual's ideas (rather than the therapist imposing their ideas); and autonomy of the person with the addiction (rather than the therapist having authority over them).
Teamwork vs Confrontation
Collaboration is based on the point of view and experiences of each client, which when put together, forms teamwork. A teamwork-centered approach may contrast with some other approaches to addiction treatment. However, collaboration has the effect of building rapport, and allows the person with the addiction to develop trust towards the therapist.
This does not mean that the therapist automatically agrees with their clients. The client and their Florida addiction treatment therapist may see things differently, but the therapeutic process is focused on mutual understanding.
Drawing Out Rather Than Imposing Ideas
Motivational Interviewing allows the addiction therapist to draw out ideas from the individual, rather than imposing their own opinions. It is based on the belief that the motivation, or desire, to change comes from the person with the addiction, not from the therapist. No matter how much the therapist might want the person to change their behavior, it will only happen if that individual wants and allows for change. It is the therapists' responsibility to "draw out" each person's motivations and skills, not order the client on what to do.
Individuality vs. Authority
Unlike other treatment models that emphasize the doctor or therapist as an authority figure, Motivational Interviewing assesses that the true power in making change rests within the person with the addiction. It is up to the individual to follow through on creating change. This can be empowering to the individual, and provides accountability for their actions.
How Change Happens in Motivational Interviewing
Four guiding principles form the basis of Motivational Interviewing. Although each person's process of overcoming addiction will be different, the therapist will hold true to these principles for all. These principles are vital to establishing trust within the therapeutic relationship.
Empathy and Acceptance
People with addictions are often unwilling to go into treatment because they don't believe their therapist will understand why the addictive behavior means so much to them. Many clients believe they will be judged, some feeling guilty about their behavior.
Instead of judging the person with the addiction, our Florida addiction therapists emphasize with the situation from the client's point of view. They understand that the individual's behavior makes sense to them.
Clients Come to their Own Conclusions
Motivational Interviewing recognizes that people with addictions are usually indecisive, and uncertain about whether they want to change. Their addiction has already had consequences for them, which likely brought them into addiction treatment. Moreover, their addictions have developed as a way of coping with life.
Motivational Interviewing helps people make up their minds about how to move forward through the stages of change. Goals and actions can be created in this trusting, collaborative atmosphere without pressure. Furthermore, each session is based on the individual's own needs, wishes, goals, values, and strengths.
Developing a New Understanding
Change does not always happen easily or just because the individual wants it. It is natural for a person to change their mind many times about whether they want to give up their addiction. Motivational Interviewing is prepared to handle situations like these.
Rather than opposing or criticizing the person with the addiction, our therapists will help the individual reach a new understanding of themselves. They do this by re-framing and offering diverse interpretations of each situation. All of this is based on the goals and ideals of the individual, which are explored by the therapist.
Simple Support
Our Florida addiction therapists will always support their client's ability to make change. Although therapists may hold more confidence in their clients' ability to succeed initially, this often changes with time.
