Maybe you’ve heard the buzz about Motivational Interviewing (MI) but are wondering, “what is it and how is it applicable to me?” This blog explores exactly that! My aim is to share the evidence, framework, application, and benefits of MI from an SLP perspective. Any of these situations sound familiar to you?
What do all these scenarios have in common? They all involve some relationship to behavioral change. As SLPs, we address change on a fundamental and often physiologic level: swallowing, voicing, language, respiration, motor speech, cognition, emotional regulation... These functions may be so ingrained that it takes a massive effort and steadfast dedication to alter them. And yet, our field exists precisely because change is possible! Why then do we learn so little about the mechanisms and processes surrounding change and how to counsel our patients? Within the therapeutic relationship, who is responsible for inciting and enacting change? The clinician? The client? Change does not happen simply because we detailed the why and how in our recommendations. On the other hand, placing the sole responsibility on the patient means only those with that intrinsic magical combination of motivation, dedication, and support will be successful. If a client fails, is it because we failed to support them in some way? Does having the clinical skillset alone ensure client success? What does evidence-based practice have to say about the therapeutic dynamic and facilitating change? If these questions resonate with you or excite you, then welcome, you are a MI nerd! Motivational Interviewing in a Nutshell MI is an exploration of the art and science surrounding the pursuit of change within the therapeutic context. For the SLP, it offers a guide towards facilitating change and a path to becoming more effective and efficient clinicians. At its core, MI is a collaborative, “conversation about change” intended to, “strengthen a person’s own motivation and commitment to change.” It originally came from the field of addiction counseling where it was discovered that, “people are more likely to be persuaded by what they hear themselves say.” And in fact, “when a helper [i.e., clinician] uses a directing style and argues for changes with a person who is ambivalent, it naturally brings out the person’s opposite arguments.” Motivational Interviewing TerminologyBefore diving into why MI works, let’s look at some terminology:
Where would you place yourself on this continuum and what factors influence this?
Get your research fix! Fun fact: Over 1400 clinical trials have be conducted on MI to date! Change talk predicts actions: In a study by Amrhein et al. (2003), they found that client language (either sustained talk or change talk) actually predicted behavioral outcomes. Similar findings were repeated and expanded upon by other studies which informed the different types of change talk and trajectories which we’ll go over in the future posts. Clinician language impacts change talk: An important piece of the equation is looking at how counselor language influences client production of sustained talk and change talk. Multiple studies concluded that MI consistent language promoted greater change talk, while MI inconsistent language was more likely to result in sustained talk. Example: MI inconsistent: “Your hoarseness is caused by silent reflux, tell me why you’re not taking your medications?” This will elicit reasons for why they are not changing. Remember, what comes out of their mouth is what they are most likely to do. MI consistent: “Why is it important to you to improve your voice?” This will elicit reasons for changing while inviting partnership. Ready for more?In our membership site, future topics will include:
Let us know what you need most, and we'll come back and provide links once they're published!
4 Comments
Sasha
10/30/2020 09:01:21 am
Yes, want the rest of this series of articles. Love the metaaaa talk.
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Deborah Hersh
10/30/2020 08:28:47 pm
Thank you for this great information. I would love to see more in this series. If of interest, here is a podcast I recorded with Megan Nosol on MI in the context of aphasia:
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Meredith Harold
11/1/2020 07:14:25 pm
Ah, that's fantastic! We'll check it out :)
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Roxane
12/1/2020 06:32:51 pm
Great. Our agency has focused on MI. It will be nice to hear more on MI practice in SLP
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