M5 · Clinical Practice
M5
Slide 24
CONTENT
3. Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Motivational Interviewing is a structured communication approach designed to:
Explore ambivalence
Strengthen internal motivation
Reduce resistance
Support autonomy
MI is collaborative, not confrontational.
Core Techniques: OARS
O
Open questions
“What does drinking give you right now?”
A
Affirmations
“I appreciate how honest you are about this.”
R
Reflective Listening
“It sounds like alcohol helps with stress, but it also creates problems.”
S
Summarising
“So part of you wants things to change, and part of you feels unsure how.”
MI works with ambivalence — not against it.
Scaling Model in Practice
Ask:“On a scale of 0 to 10, how important is it for you to reduce your drinking right now?”
If the client says "3":
COMMON INSTINCT
“Why not 6?”
Highlights inadequacy · triggers defensiveness
MI MOVE
“Why not 1?”
Highlights existing motivation · elicits change talk
Follow-up:“What would help you move from 3 to 4?”
Small steps reduce overwhelm and increase autonomy.
Why MI Supports Integration
MI:

Reduces service dropout

Improves adherence

Supports harm reduction

Protects autonomy

Strengthens engagement

It operationalises: Trust-Based and Trauma-Informed Practice — and supports Whole-Person Integrated Care.