Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative approach that helps people explore their own reasons for change. Rather than telling you what you should do, the process helps you clarify what matters to you, understand uncertainty or mixed feelings, and identify steps that fit your goals and circumstances.
What Is Motivational Interviewing?
Change can be complicated. You may know that something needs to change while also feeling uncertain about how—or whether—you want to make that change.
Motivational Interviewing provides space to explore that uncertainty without judgment. Through collaborative conversations, you and your therapist can examine your goals, values, concerns, strengths, and reasons for making a change. The goal is not for your therapist to make decisions for you, but to help you develop greater clarity and confidence about the direction you want to take.
What Can Motivational Interviewing Help With?
Motivational Interviewing can be useful when you’re considering a change or feeling uncertain about what you want to do next.
It may be incorporated into therapy when you’re:
- Feeling stuck or uncertain about a decision
- Considering changes in habits or behaviors
- Working through ambivalence about change
- Navigating a life transition
- Exploring personal or professional goals
- Thinking about changes related to substance use or other behaviors
- Trying to better understand what matters to you and what you want moving forward
Motivational Interviewing can be used alongside other therapeutic approaches rather than as a one-size-fits-all treatment.
What Does Motivational Interviewing Look Like in Therapy?
Sessions may involve exploring questions such as:
- What would you like to be different?
- What matters most to you right now?
- What are the benefits and challenges of making a change?
- What concerns or uncertainties are getting in the way?
- What strengths or past experiences could help you?
- What is one realistic step you might be ready to take?
Your therapist may help you look at different perspectives and identify your own reasons for change. The process is collaborative and respects your autonomy.
Is Motivational Interviewing Right for Me?
Motivational Interviewing may be helpful if you know something in your life isn’t working the way you want it to but feel uncertain about what to do next.
You don’t have to arrive at therapy already motivated, confident, or certain about what you want. Exploring uncertainty can be part of the therapeutic process.
Motivational Interviewing at Modern Me Psychology
Michael Saraceno, M.A., LPC, NCC incorporates Motivational Interviewing and Strengths-Based strategies into his collaborative approach to therapy.
Michael works with children, preteens, teens, adults, and elders experiencing concerns including anxiety, attachment and relational concerns, depression, life transitions and grief, and men’s mental health. His experience also includes helping individuals navigate career and work-related stress and periods of personal change.
Related Services & Concerns
You may also want to explore:
- Individual Therapy
- Life Transitions & Grief
- Anxiety
- Attachment & Relational Concerns
- Men’s Mental Health
- Career Counseling
In-Person Therapy and Telehealth
Michael provides in-person therapy at Modern Me Psychology in Roselle, Illinois, as well as HIPAA-compliant telehealth when appropriate.
Insurance & Getting Started
Modern Me Psychology is in-network with several major insurance plans, including:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) PPO
- Aetna PPO
- TRICARE West
Insurance coverage varies by individual plan and clinician. Self-pay options are also available.
If you’re feeling stuck, uncertain about a decision, or considering a change in your life, contact Modern Me Psychology to learn more about working with Michael.