The core philosophy of MI is the counselor style
with collaboration as the key characteristic. The
intent of MI is to diminish resistance to behavior
change and increase intrinsic motivation. Communicating
an attitude of acceptance and expressing
empathy encompass the first principle of MI. The
second principle emphasizes the importance of
creating a discrepancy between an individual’s
current maladaptive behavior and a more adaptive
behavior with the individual, not the counselor,
identifying the reasons for and advantages of change.
Rolling with resistance is the essence of the third principle. Argumentation or direct persuasion is
considered counterproductive and is to be avoided,
as it is likely to produce defensiveness or resistance.
This principle directly opposes the more actionoriented,
prescriptive strategies of behavior change
often implemented in CR programs. The final
principle is to support self-efficacy. The individual
is seen as the responsible party for choosing and
carrying out personal change.