Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, person-centered guiding style designed to strengthen a person’s own motivation and commitment to change. Rather than using a "top-down" approach to persuade or advise, MI helps healthcare practitioners "come alongside" patients to resolve ambivalence and empower them to make healthier choices. The Spirit of Motivational Interviewing
: Respecting the patient's autonomy and right to choose, even if they decide not to change. Motivational Interviewing in Health Care: Helpi...
: Acting in the patient’s best interest to promote their welfare. : Acting in the patient’s best interest to
The "spirit" of MI is the underlying mindset that makes the techniques effective. It is based on four key pillars: : Drawing out the patient’s internal ideas and
: Treating the patient as the expert on their own life while the practitioner acts as a guide.
: Drawing out the patient’s internal ideas and motivations rather than imposing external ones. Core Principles (RULE)
Practitioners often use the acronym to stay aligned with MI principles during brief medical consultations: