Motivational Interviewing Therapy

two men talk over coffee in motivational interviewing therapy Overcoming addiction can be arduous, and traditional treatment approaches are not always enough. That’s why many rehab centers turn to motivational interviewing (MI) therapy to empower patients and help them find the motivation to improve their lives. If you’re considering addiction treatment at our center in Wilmington, learning more about MI therapy can help you make the right decision. Call 910.812.1728 to speak with someone from the caring and compassionate team at Tree House Recovery NC about our holistic treatment programs, including MI therapy for addiction treatment, in Wilmington.

What Is Motivational Interviewing Therapy?

Motivational interviewing therapy is a counseling style designed to help people find the motivation to change their behavior. It was developed by clinical psychologists William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick in the 1980s. Since then, it has become a key component of effective addiction treatment. 

Rather than confronting patients or trying to force them to change, MI therapists help them explore their own:

  • Values – What is important to them?
  • Ambivalence – Are they unsure about making a change?
  • Goals – Where do they want to be in the future?

MI therapists encourage patients to explore and express their thoughts without judgment. This allows patients to think critically about their behavior and make positive changes.

How Does MI Therapy for Addiction Treatment Work?

When someone enters addiction treatment, they may feel ambivalent about change. On the one hand, they may recognize the harm their addiction is causing to themselves and their loved ones. On the other hand, they may find it difficult to imagine a life without their substance of choice. MI therapy is designed to resolve this ambivalence by invoking the patient’s own motivations for change.

At our programs involving motivational interviewing therapy in North Carolina, our MI therapists use various techniques to help patients identify what they want out of life, why that matters to them, and how their addiction may prevent them from reaching those goals. This may involve asking open-ended questions to elicit the patient’s thoughts and feelings, reflecting on their statements to show that they’ve been heard, and helping them explore the pros and cons of their current behavior. MI therapy is not confrontational or judgmental—instead, it’s about creating a collaborative partnership between the therapist and the patient.

Benefits of Undergoing Motivational Interviewing Therapy at Our North Carolina Center

Tree House Recovery NC offers motivational interviewing therapy in North Carolina, which benefits patients in several ways.

Identifying Your Values and Motivations

Through MI therapy, you’ll have the opportunity to explore what you want out of life and why it matters to you. This can give you a sense of purpose and direction that may be missing from your life.

Addressing Ambivalence

Working with a trained MI therapist, you can learn to identify and address conflicting emotions that may keep you stuck in your addiction. Examples of contradictory emotions may include wanting to change and feeling scared of the unknown.

Getting Personalized Treatment

Your therapist will work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your situation. Customized treatment plans often include other therapeutic modalities, such as:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Mindfulness meditation

MI therapy is highly individualized to your unique needs and goals.

Improving Communication Skills

The skills you learn in MI therapy can help you communicate more effectively with your loved ones, healthcare providers, and others. Better communication skills may include expressing yourself more clearly, listening with understanding, and setting effective boundaries.

Increasing Confidence and Self-Efficacy

MI therapy for addiction treatment can increase your sense of self-worth and self-efficacy by empowering you to identify and pursue your goals. This empowerment can help you feel more capable of making other positive changes in your life.

Find MI Therapy for Addiction Treatment in North Carolina at Tree House Recovery NC

If you’re seeking addiction treatment in North Carolina, the power of motivational interviewing therapy can help you unlock your full potential. MI therapy is not a quick fix but a way to build a solid foundation for lasting change. If you’re ready to take the first step towards a brighter future, contact Tree House today at 910.812.1728.