What is "motivational interviewing" in social work practice?

Motivational interviewing (MI) is a client-centered approach designed specifically to enhance an individual’s motivation to change. In social work practice, MI focuses on understanding the client's perspective, fostering a supportive environment, and engaging clients in collaborative conversations that explore their goals and ambivalence about change. The aim is to empower clients to take ownership of their change process, which can be particularly effective in situations involving behavior modification or treatment adherence.

This method emphasizes reflective listening and open-ended questioning, allowing clients to articulate their feelings and thoughts about change, thus reinforcing their intrinsic motivation. By prioritizing the client's autonomy and actively involving them in the conversation, motivational interviewing can lead to more meaningful and sustainable outcomes as clients feel more invested in their decisions.

In contrast, the other choices don't align with the core principles of motivational interviewing. For example, instructing clients on what to change does not encourage their input or acknowledge their autonomy, which is essential in MI. Gathering information from clients is a necessary part of many interactions but does not capture the essence of motivational interviewing's focus on enhancing motivation and facilitating dialogue. Similarly, reducing client sessions doesn't reflect the fundamental goal of MI, which is to actively engage clients in a process that could require multiple sessions to explore their motivations and plans for