THERAPY & TREATMENT
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational interviewing (MI) is a collaborative counseling style that helps you resolve ambivalence and strengthen your own motivation for change—without pressure or judgment. At Advanced Health and Education in Eatontown, NJ, motivational interviewing helps clients build readiness for change across all levels of care.
Motivational interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based counseling approach designed to help people make changes they feel ambivalent about—like reducing substance use, starting treatment, improving health habits, or taking steps toward recovery. MI is collaborative and nonjudgmental. Instead of telling you what to do, the therapist helps you explore your reasons for change and build confidence in your ability to take the next step.1,2
MI is especially helpful when you feel “stuck”
Many people have mixed feelings about change. Part of them wants something different, and part of them is scared, tired, or unsure. MI treats that ambivalence as normal—not as resistance. The goal is to help you:
- Clarify what matters most to you
- Understand the pros/cons of change
- Strengthen “change talk” (your own reasons and readiness)
- Create a realistic plan that fits your life
What MI is (and isn’t)
- MI is not confrontation. It avoids shame and power struggles.
- MI is not persuasion. It focuses on your values and goals.
- MI works well with other treatments. It’s often combined with CBT, relapse prevention, medication, and group therapy.1,3
Evidence base
MI has a strong research base across many behavior change areas, including substance use. Meta-analyses show MI can produce small-to-moderate improvements, especially when delivered with fidelity and combined with other supports.4
At Advanced Health and Education in Eatontown, New Jersey, motivational interviewing is used throughout our dual diagnosis treatment program—beginning in detox and stabilization and continuing through IOP. MI supports clients with substance use disorders in building their own motivation for change, and is also used to support medication adherence for clients with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia-spectrum conditions.
How Motivational Interviewing Works
MI is structured around a spirit of partnership, acceptance, compassion, and evocation—drawing out your own reasons for change.
Common MI skills include:
- Open-ended questions that help you explore what you want
- Reflective listening (showing understanding and helping you hear yourself)
- Affirmations that highlight strengths and past successes
- Summaries that organize what you’ve said and clarify next steps
MI often includes brief change planning, confidence scaling (“How confident are you from 0–10?”), and identifying barriers and supports.
What to Expect in Motivational Interviewing Sessions
- A respectful conversation: You won’t be lectured. The therapist will ask questions and listen closely.
- Focus on your goals: Sessions connect behavior change to what you care about (family, health, freedom, stability).
- Small, realistic steps: Change plans are built around what feels doable right now.
- Support for setbacks: If you slip, MI helps you learn from it rather than give up.
Benefits of Motivational Interviewing
Benefits vary based on your goals, symptoms, and how the therapy is combined with other supports.
- Reduces shame and defensiveness
- Builds internal motivation
- Improves readiness for treatment
- Strengthens confidence
- Works well for substance use goals
- Flexible and brief
Conditions This Therapy May Help With
Motivational interviewing is widely used for substance use disorders, treatment engagement, and health behavior change. It may also be helpful when depression or anxiety leads to avoidance, or when someone is unsure about starting therapy, medication, or higher levels of care.
Substance Use Disorders
Substance use disorders (SUDs) are treatable medical conditions involving continued use of alcohol or drugs despite harm. Advanced Health and Education in Eatontown, NJ provides comprehensive addiction treatment from medical detox through outpatient care, including specialized dual diagnosis programming.
Learn moreBipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder involves episodes of depression and mania or hypomania—high energy, reduced sleep, and impulsive behavior. At Advanced Health and Education in Eatontown, NJ, we provide structured bipolar disorder treatment to help you achieve long-term stability.
Learn moreSchizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder
Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder are serious, treatable mental health conditions affecting perception, thinking, mood, and daily functioning. Advanced Health and Education in Eatontown, NJ provides residential-level schizophrenia treatment with structured psychiatric care.
Learn moreMotivational Interviewing Research & Evidence
Evidence-based approach
Recognized in SAMHSA guidance as an effective counseling method
SAMHSA TIP 35
Small-to-moderate effects
Meta-analyses show MI can improve substance use outcomes for many people
Research meta-analyses
MI has a strong evidence base in substance use treatment and health behavior change. SAMHSA and other organizations describe MI as an evidence-based, person-centered approach that can improve engagement and outcomes when delivered skillfully.1,3
Meta-analyses suggest MI produces meaningful improvements for many people, particularly when it is tailored to the person’s stage of change and combined with other supports.4
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be “ready” to change for MI to work?
No. MI is designed for ambivalence. You don’t need to be fully ready—you just need to be willing to have an honest conversation about what you want and what’s getting in the way.1
Is MI only for addiction?
No. MI is used for many types of change—health behaviors, medication adherence, therapy engagement, and more. It’s especially common in substance use treatment.1,3
Will MI tell me what to do?
MI is collaborative. Your therapist may offer information with permission, but the focus is on your values, goals, and choices.
How long is MI?
MI can be brief (a few sessions) or integrated into longer treatment plans, depending on your needs.
What if I’m being pressured by family or work to get treatment?
MI can help you sort out what you want for yourself, even if external pressure is part of why you’re here. The goal is to build internal motivation.
References
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). TIP 35: Enhancing Motivation for Change in Substance Use Disorder Treatment. Accessed February 10, 2026. https://store.samhsa.gov/product/tip-35-enhancing-motivation-change-substance-use-disorder-treatment/PEP19-02-01-003
- Miller WR, Rollnick S. Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change. 3rd ed. Guilford Press; 2012.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)/Motivational Interviewing (MI). Accessed February 10, 2026. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/psychosocial-interventions/motivational-enhancement-therapy-motivational-interviewing
- Lundahl B, Kunz C, Brownell C, Tollefson D, Burke BL. A meta-analysis of motivational interviewing: twenty-five years of empirical studies. Res Soc Work Pract. 2010;20(2):137-160. doi:10.1177/1049731509347850
Medically Reviewed By
Clinical Director
Kelsey Blakeslee, LCSW, LCADC, is the Clinical Director at Advanced Health and Education, where she provides clinical oversight and leadership for complex mental health and substance use treatment programs. Dually licensed in social work and addiction counseling, she integrates CBT-based, skills-focused, and strengths-based approaches to promote high-quality, ethical care. Kelsey is committed to fostering a collaborative treatment culture centered on clinical excellence and client success.
Last reviewed: February 10, 2026
Is Motivational Interviewing Right for You? Learn More in Eatontown, NJ
Our team at Advanced Health and Education in Eatontown, NJ can help you understand how motivational interviewing fits into a personalized treatment plan and which level of care makes the most sense. Call (844) 302-8605.
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Motivational Interviewing is available in both of our specialized treatment tracks:
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