How Does Motivational Interviewing Help In Treating MentalHealth Issues
Motivational interviewing addresses several mental health issues. Common psychological problems like depression, anxiety, panic attacks, anger, borderline personality disorder, substance abuse, eating disorders, etc. can be treated using motivational interviewing along with other treatment options. Using motivational interviewing, a therapist aims to move a patient from a state of confusion and uncertainty. They take the mental state of an individual towards making positive decisions and achieving established goals. The therapy is considered as person-centred therapy, formed with the idea that every individual carries goodness and values. The therapist motivates patients to create the best version of themselves. If you are looking forward to motivational interviewing in Ottawa, you will find plenty of psychotherapy centers providing this service. Due to the awareness in public about the well-being of their mental health, these centers offer motivational interviewing services in multiple languages. You can choose a language that you are comfortable with as it will help you to focus on the problem without any communication errors.
What are the key factors of motivational interviewing: The therapist shows respect for the patient's ability to make a decision. The therapist listens more and helps the patient to draw his or her perception.
It is more about collaboration than confrontational: The therapist aims to develop a trustful collaboration with the patient. The process does not involve confronting the problem to the patient or being argumentative with the client. The therapist relies on the client for all the information, and it makes the client more significant than the therapist for the succession of the process. The therapist does not act as a persuader, but only plays a supportive role.
Creating an internal desire for change: In other forms of mental treatment, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, the patient receives information from the therapist as encouragement, with the purpose to change their thought patterns, beliefs, and behaviours. This approach increases the chances for the patient to be defensive during the session. The purpose of motivational interviewing is to create a desire to change in the patient. The therapist's primary role is to listen and from that drawing out the patient's perceptions. This is an effective way for the patient to maintain the change for an extended period.
What are the therapist’s goals during the motivational interviewing: Expressing empathy: As we have mentioned, motivational interviewing is considered as person-centred therapy, and showing empathy is one of the core values of the process. The therapist develops an understanding of the patient's problems, struggles, and barriers to improvement. It allows the patient to be more open and less defensive during the session as judgement and criticism are not present.
Developing discrepancy: The second most important thing for the therapist is to let the patient know about their behaviour and how it differs from their goals. Suppose the goal is to have a promising career, then it is the therapist's job to let the patient know that using drugs and alcohol is not the right way to get it. The therapist ensures that it gets done without confrontation, but with using interventions. It does not include asking a series of questions for directing the patient to this decision.
Dealing with resistance: Some level of resistance is expected from the patient during the process. The therapist's job is to be non-confrontational with the client, not to force or manipulate patient into acceptance, and understand the patient's point of view on the subject. The therapist offers only alternative ways of thinking that the patient considers.
Supporting the client's belief: Those who are dealing with addiction, recovery, and relapse have tried to maintain their sobriety with limited success. It leads them to believe that there is not much hope in the future. The therapist works on the areas that can add strength to the patient's decision making ability and help them accomplish their goals.
Summary: Motivational interviewing can help patients to overcome their mental issues in practical ways. Whether there is an addiction problem or career-related matters that stop you from living your life to the fullest, you can find an experienced therapist for motivational interviewing in Ottawa and give your life a positive change.