The motivational interviewing techniques and questions are known as motivational interviewing. It is an approach to the change process that emphasizes collaboration and aims to increase individuals’ intrinsic motivation to modify their behavior. The interviewer encourages the interviewee to make as many decisions independently as feasible.
The humanistic psychological research serves as the basis for the motivational interviewing strategies. By empathizing with them and fostering an environment devoid of criticism, he encouraged his patients to speak more freely. In addition, he allowed them to determine the direction of the conversation.
Change talk is when the individual being interviewed begins to make statements intended to motivate themselves. The intent of change discussion is to be elicited by means of motivational interviewing. These statements demonstrate that the interviewee engages in positive self-talk regarding the process of making adjustments. The interviewer asks thought-provoking queries to spark a discussion about making changes. They are more productive than yes-or-no queries, which only permit affirmative or negative responses.
Questions and techniques for conducting motivational interviews
In a motivational interview, the interviewee takes the initiative. The interviewer refrains from debating with or interrogating the interviewee, and minimizes their interventions.
Sometimes, the collection of communication skills required for conducting motivational interviews is referred to by the acronym OARS, which represents for the following:
- Open-ended inquiries
- Affirming
- Actively reflecting while listening
- Summarizing
Let’s examine each of the skills required to conduct motivational interviews in greater detail.
Affirming
Affirming is a tried-and-true coaching technique used worldwide. As a result, the person being interviewed feels more seen, heard, and comprehended. Utilizing affirmation lends credibility to the client’s emotions. As a result, the candidate may become more receptive to change and have a better rapport with you.
Actively reflecting while listening
Using reflective listening, the interviewer relays to the interviewee, in their own words, what they just heard from the other individual. Using this information, the interviewer can assess the candidate’s comprehension, which is beneficial.
Reflective listening is a crucial component of motivational interviewing. As a consequence of the question, the interviewee has the opportunity to analyze change in the context of their own ideas and emotions.
Summarizing
Comparable to the process of reflection, summarizing is typically performed at the conclusion of the session. It is a collection of the interviewer’s thoughts and observations throughout the conversation.
Both the interviewer and the interviewee benefit from the ability to more readily identify the most significant points raised. Instead of interpreting the interviewee’s statements, the interviewer should concentrate on paraphrasing them.
When hearing the interviewer’s summary statements of the conversation, the interviewee will hear their own change talk reflected back to them. This is essential for motivating the individual being interviewed to make the necessary changes.
After completing the summary, the interviewer should assist the interviewee in formulating a change strategy. As a result, they will be better equipped to successfully navigate the transitional phases. In addition, they should coordinate follow-up meetings should the need arise.