Spotlight on Motivational Interviewing (MI) with Markie Nickens, LMSW
In this edition of “Spotlight On…”, Inner Balance therapist Markie Nickens educates us on the counseling method of Motivational Interviewing, which is an approach designed to help people find the motivation to make a positive behavior change. When working with teenagers, Inner Balance therapist Markie Nickens understands the importance of collaboration and autonomy. This is what led to her interest in Motivational Interviewing (or MI), a treatment modality that takes a look at a person’s conflicting thoughts about changing a particular behavior or situation. When using Motivational Interviewing with clients, Markie acknowledges that they are the experts of their life, and they have the power within them to effect change. When a teenage client is the one who identifies the solution to their problem, then they are more likely to implement realistic and sustainable change. Here, Markie shares with us why she enjoys using Motivational Interviewing with clients, and how this intervention supports sustainable change.
1. Can you tell us a little bit about what Motivational Interviewing is and what sets it apart from
other approaches to counseling?
Motivational Interviewing is a client-centered approach that aims to effect change by eliciting a person’s reasons for change and strengthening personal motivation. Originally conceptualized to treat addiction, Motivational Interviewing (or MI) takes a look at a person’s conflicting thoughts about changing a particular behavior. By resolving this ambivalence, we can strengthen a person’s motivation to change. Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative intervention, and places emphasis on the client’s autonomy. Putting the power in the client’s hands is what sets this treatment modality apart from others.
2. What led you to seek training in this approach?
I was initially interested in this treatment modality due to its universal application. In my first role as a therapist, my caseload consisted of a wide variety of mental health diagnoses, and client’s goals varied as well. I wanted to become well versed in a modality that could benefit everyone. As I gained experience and became more comfortable using Motivational Interviewing techniques, I began combining certain elements with other treatment modalities. This is one of the best parts about Motivational Interviewing—it works well with other interventions, so a therapist can really tailor their approach to a person’s specific needs.
3. What outcomes do you see with clients who you use Motivational Interviewing with?
When using this modality, the client is in the driver’s seat. Motivational Interviewing builds a person’s self-confidence and sense of autonomy and responsibility. When someone has identified their reasons for effecting change, and takes actionable steps towards achieving that change, they feel more prepared to manage ambivalence or challenges in the future.
4. Who do you think could benefit from this approach?
Motivational Interviewing can benefit clients within a wide range of demographics presenting reasons for treatment, from depression and anxiety to phase of life changes such as a new job or moving to a new city. Those looking to modify a specific behavior, or are seeking to take more accountability for behaviors, would benefit from this modality. Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative technique, and can be used in conjunction with other interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. However, this modality may not work for everyone. If a person is not ready to effect change, or is not ready to accept that their behaviors may be harmful, then that person may not receive much benefit.
5. What is one piece of wisdom you have learned from your Motivational Interviewing training
that you can share with us?
One piece of wisdom I have Iearned from this modality is the power of positive affirmations. Affirmations build self-confidence and one’s ability to recognize and celebrate success. Positive affirmations have roots in neuroscience- repeating affirmations creates new neural pathways in your brain. Over time, the neurons that are fired down these pathways when you say or hear affirmations become automatic, and we are less resistant and defensive against challenges and change.