Are You Struggling with Making Changes in Your Life?

Do you find yourself wanting to make changes in your life, but something keeps holding you back?
Perhaps you’re feeling stuck in patterns of behavior that no longer serve you, or you're facing challenges in overcoming habits that are difficult to break.
Maybe you know what you want, but feel unsure about how to take the first steps toward it.

Change can be daunting, and sometimes even the thought of starting can feel overwhelming. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and Motivational Interviewing (MI) might be the supportive, empowering approach you need to help you move forward.

What is Motivational Interviewing?

Motivational Interviewing: A Collaborative Path to Change

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a therapeutic approach designed to help you find the motivation to make positive changes in your life. Whether you’re struggling with substance use, managing a chronic health condition, or simply trying to adopt healthier habits, MI focuses on exploring and resolving ambivalence—those mixed feelings that can make it hard to commit to change. At Wild Hope Therapy, we use MI to support women in uncovering their own intrinsic motivation, helping them move from uncertainty to action in a way that feels authentic and aligned with their values.

MI is particularly effective because it is client-centered and collaborative. This means that rather than directing or advising, your therapist will work with you to explore your own reasons for change, helping you to harness your internal strengths and resources. Our approach is rooted in respect for your autonomy, and we believe that you are the expert in your own life. Through MI, we help you to tap into your own wisdom and capacity for change.

Understanding Motivational Interviewing: Empowering You to Make Lasting Changes

What is Motivational Interviewing?

Motivational Interviewing is a counseling method developed in the early 1980s by psychologists William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick. It’s an evidence-based approach that helps individuals find the motivation they need to change their behavior. Unlike traditional directive approaches, MI is a more conversational style of therapy that focuses on the client’s own goals and values. The therapist acts as a guide, helping you to explore and resolve the ambivalence that might be preventing you from making the changes you desire.

What is Motivational Interviewing Used to Treat?

MI is a versatile approach that can be applied to a wide range of issues, including:

  • Substance use and addiction

  • Weight management and eating disorders

  • Managing chronic health conditions

  • Improving physical activity levels

  • Mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression

  • Smoking cessation

  • Enhancing motivation for personal and professional goals

Because MI is so adaptable, it’s an excellent choice for anyone who feels stuck or uncertain about making changes, regardless of the specific challenge they are facing.

How Does Motivational Interviewing Work?

Motivational Interviewing works by engaging you in a conversation about your hopes, goals, and values. Through careful listening and open-ended questions, your therapist helps you to explore your ambivalence about change—those conflicting feelings that can make it hard to commit to new behaviors. The focus is on helping you to connect with your own reasons for change, which are often more powerful and sustainable than external motivators.

MI is based on four key principles:

  1. Expressing Empathy – Your therapist will listen to you without judgment, creating a safe space where you feel understood and respected.

  2. Developing Discrepancy – Together, you and your therapist will explore the gap between where you are now and where you want to be, helping to highlight the reasons for change.

  3. Rolling with Resistance – Rather than confronting resistance head-on, MI takes a more gentle approach, helping you to explore your reluctance in a way that leads to insight and growth.

  4. Supporting Self-Efficacy – Your therapist will help you build confidence in your ability to make the changes you desire, reinforcing your belief in your own capacity for success.

What are the Benefits of Motivational Interviewing?

The benefits of Motivational Interviewing are both immediate and long-lasting. They include:

  • Increased motivation and commitment to change

  • Greater clarity about your goals and values

  • Enhanced self-awareness and insight

  • Reduced feelings of guilt or shame around challenges

  • A stronger sense of autonomy and empowerment

  • Improved ability to make decisions that align with your true self

At Wild Hope Therapy, we believe that everyone has the potential for growth and change. MI is one of the ways we help you to unlock that potential, moving from a place of uncertainty to one of action and achievement.

What to Expect During Motivational Interviewing Therapy

Experience the Power of Collaborative Change

When you engage in Motivational Interviewing at Wild Hope Therapy, you can expect a therapeutic experience that is supportive, non-judgmental, and deeply collaborative. We recognize that change can be challenging, and our goal is to walk alongside you as you explore your readiness for change and build the motivation to move forward.

What Does an MI Session Look Like?

In a typical MI session, your therapist will create a space where you can talk openly about your feelings, thoughts, and concerns. The session may begin with a discussion about your current situation and the changes you’re considering. Your therapist will listen carefully, reflecting back what they hear and asking open-ended questions to help you explore your ambivalence. For example, you might be asked to consider the pros and cons of making a change, or to envision what your life would look like if you successfully implemented that change.

The focus of MI is always on your perspective—your values, your goals, and your reasons for wanting to change. Rather than telling you what to do, your therapist will help you to clarify what you want and how you can achieve it. This approach is not only empowering but also helps to build a strong therapeutic relationship based on trust and mutual respect.

How is MI Different at Wild Hope Therapy?

At Wild Hope Therapy, we take a trauma-informed, inclusive approach to Motivational Interviewing. We understand that your experiences, identity, and environment all play a role in how you approach change, and we are committed to honoring and respecting those factors in therapy. Our therapists are trained to work with the unique challenges that women face, including the impact of societal pressures, gender-based trauma, and the intersections of identity.

Our MI sessions are designed to be a safe space where you can explore your feelings and challenges without fear of judgment. We believe in a strengths-based approach, meaning we focus on your inherent strengths and resources, helping you to build on these as you move toward your goals. This collaborative, empowering process is at the heart of everything we do at Wild Hope Therapy.

Addressing Common Concerns About Motivational Interviewing

Will MI Force Me to Make Changes I’m Not Ready For?

Absolutely not. One of the core principles of Motivational Interviewing is respecting your autonomy and readiness for change. MI is about exploring your ambivalence and helping you to clarify your own reasons for change—not about forcing you to make decisions you’re not ready for. Your therapist will work with you at your pace, ensuring that you feel supported and empowered every step of the way.

How Long Does Motivational Interviewing Therapy Take?

The length of MI therapy varies depending on your individual needs and goals. Some clients find that just a few sessions are enough to help them clarify their motivation and start making changes, while others may benefit from a longer-term therapeutic relationship. At Wild Hope Therapy, we tailor our approach to fit your unique situation, ensuring that you receive the support you need for as long as you need it.

Is Motivational Interviewing Right for Me?

If you’re feeling stuck, uncertain, or ambivalent about making changes in your life, MI could be an excellent fit for you. It’s a flexible, client-centered approach that meets you where you are, helping you to build the motivation and confidence you need to move forward. We offer a free, no-pressure consultation to help you determine if MI is the right approach for you.

Why Choose Wild Hope Therapy for Motivational Interviewing?

At Wild Hope Therapy, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, strengths-based care that empowers women to live their best lives. Our expertise in women’s behavioral health, combined with our trauma-informed approach, ensures that you receive the support and understanding you need to make meaningful changes. We believe in the power of collaboration and respect for your autonomy, and we are here to help you discover and harness your own motivation for change.

We invite you to take the first step toward achieving your goals by reaching out for a free, 15-minute phone consultation. This is your opportunity to ask questions, share your concerns, and see if our approach feels right for you—without any pressure or obligation. Let us help you find the path to the changes you desire and the life you envision.