Introduced in 1983 by William Miller, motivational
interviewing was initially developed for the treatment
of addictions but has been widely adapted to facilitate
change across a range of patient health behaviors. The
goal of motivational interviewing is to “help patients
identify and change behaviors that may be preventing
optimal management of a chronic condition or placing
them at risk of developing health problems.”
Exploring and resolving ambivalence is the catalyst
that drives behavioural change. By helping patients
develop insight, they are empowered to make their
own rationale choice. The following article discusses
the principles and skills of motivational interviewing