What is motivational interviewing?

Motivational interviewing is a counseling approach that focuses on encouraging individuals to explore and resolve their ambivalence toward behavior change, particularly in situations where such change is desired but not easily undertaken. This technique is particularly useful in contexts like employment support, where individuals may have mixed feelings about pursuing job opportunities, making career transitions, or overcoming barriers to employment.

In this approach, the interviewer uses empathetic listening and open-ended questions to help individuals articulate their feelings and thoughts about change. By fostering a collaborative environment, the professional helps clients to identify their own motivations for wanting to change, thereby enhancing their commitment and ability to follow through with the necessary actions.

This method stands apart from the other options because, while assessing job experience and teaching job skills are important within employment support, they do not address the psychological aspects of motivation and behavior change that motivational interviewing effectively targets. Furthermore, while group therapy formats can offer support among peers, they lack the individualized focus and methodical approach of motivational interviewing aimed at resolving ambivalence.