Motivational Interviewing Therapists in Westchester, CA
![Photo of Alicia Brandt, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f273ba6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Alicia Brandt
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Westchester, CA 90045
I am trained in traditional "talk" therapy and more post modern treatments such as solution focus and motivational interviewing.
Are you feeling stuck? Are you questioning retirement, looking for a "third act" in your life? Is your relationship stagnant or in crisis? Have you ended one addiction, only to have another pop up? Are you the adult child of a narcissist and having issues with relationships and career?Are you a partner or parent of an addict or person in recovery?Are you ready for change?
I am trained in traditional "talk" therapy and more post modern treatments such as solution focus and motivational interviewing.
Are you feeling stuck? Are you questioning retirement, looking for a "third act" in your life? Is your relationship stagnant or in crisis? Have you ended one addiction, only to have another pop up? Are you the adult child of a narcissist and having issues with relationships and career?Are you a partner or parent of an addict or person in recovery?Are you ready for change?
![Photo of Evelyn K Co, MFT, ATR-BC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40522959-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I have provided mental health services for a wide variety of disorders and diverse populations of children and adults for over 20 years. I am licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in multiple states. I use a holistic approaches to facilitate therapeutic change. I infuse my work with elements from evidenced-based interventions, behavioral, cognitive, experiential and psychodynamic therapies, and art therapy. My therapeutic work facilitates the individuals' desired changes using traditional and non-traditional methods, such as art therapy, EMDR, neurofeedback, mindfulness, and interpersonal process therapy.
I have provided mental health services for a wide variety of disorders and diverse populations of children and adults for over 20 years. I am licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in multiple states. I use a holistic approaches to facilitate therapeutic change. I infuse my work with elements from evidenced-based interventions, behavioral, cognitive, experiential and psychodynamic therapies, and art therapy. My therapeutic work facilitates the individuals' desired changes using traditional and non-traditional methods, such as art therapy, EMDR, neurofeedback, mindfulness, and interpersonal process therapy.
![Photo of Peter R Getoff, MA, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b8dc2ed-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Peter R Getoff
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westchester, CA 90045
I am a veteran therapist. I have been in private practice for over thirty years and I provide therapy to older adults, adults and children Using warmth, sensitivity, patience, compassion, and wisdom I transform the therapy session into an environment where you can explore, learn, and examine your strengths and weaknesses. I am a gifted listener and problem-solver. You will feel safe with me to completely be yourself and know that I will be profoundly objective, kind, and confident in assisting you to ease your suffering and significantly increase your self-love, wisdom, self-respect and ability to make changes in your life.
I am a veteran therapist. I have been in private practice for over thirty years and I provide therapy to older adults, adults and children Using warmth, sensitivity, patience, compassion, and wisdom I transform the therapy session into an environment where you can explore, learn, and examine your strengths and weaknesses. I am a gifted listener and problem-solver. You will feel safe with me to completely be yourself and know that I will be profoundly objective, kind, and confident in assisting you to ease your suffering and significantly increase your self-love, wisdom, self-respect and ability to make changes in your life.
![Photo of Haley Herdman, MS, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/10b81ec3-1464-4f67-b294-b320b251eeab/2/320x400.jpeg)
Haley Herdman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westchester, CA 90045
No matter which roles you hold in life, I believe that mental training is a very important resource to have. Engaging in therapy can help optimize an individual's performance, overall mental growth, and confidence. Through a mindfulness-based approach, I focus on empowering clients to adapt skills that aid them in performing under pressure, developing a more optimistic perspective, develop a resilient mindset, and create emotional awareness.
No matter which roles you hold in life, I believe that mental training is a very important resource to have. Engaging in therapy can help optimize an individual's performance, overall mental growth, and confidence. Through a mindfulness-based approach, I focus on empowering clients to adapt skills that aid them in performing under pressure, developing a more optimistic perspective, develop a resilient mindset, and create emotional awareness.
![Photo of Jessica Williams, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0e065e76-a74c-41f1-972f-b3d42ac55e21/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Williams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westchester, CA 90045 (Online Only)
Sometimes it doesn't simply "go away". Sometimes you physically feel it in your body, you notice it in the way you carry yourself, you question why something that once had no emotional charge for you, bothers you down to your core today. Are you struggling with managing difficult emotions? Maybe unhelpful thoughts consume your day to day life. I have success working with individuals ranging from teen to the aging population, in areas including but not limited to anxiety and depression management, posttraumatic stress, self esteem issues, and difficulty adjusting to life transitions
Sometimes it doesn't simply "go away". Sometimes you physically feel it in your body, you notice it in the way you carry yourself, you question why something that once had no emotional charge for you, bothers you down to your core today. Are you struggling with managing difficult emotions? Maybe unhelpful thoughts consume your day to day life. I have success working with individuals ranging from teen to the aging population, in areas including but not limited to anxiety and depression management, posttraumatic stress, self esteem issues, and difficulty adjusting to life transitions
![Photo of Wendy T Talley - Thelese Consulting Group, LLC, DSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/87333d61-0195-410e-a391-c9cdc4107dff/1/320x400.jpeg)
Thelese Consulting Group, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Westchester, CA 90045 (Online Only)
Thelese Consulting Group is an organization of services focused on consulting, management training, leadership development, and mental health services. It is founded to assist organizations and professionals in developing practical skills to manage workplace issues and personal conflict. Thelese has partnered with entertainment, government agencies, behavioral healthcare organizations, and nonprofits to provide employee assistance programs, webinar training, crisis interventions, and in-person training nationwide. Thelese Consulting Group pride itself in having a diverse staff of clinicians with bilingual & ASL. We are virtual.
Thelese Consulting Group is an organization of services focused on consulting, management training, leadership development, and mental health services. It is founded to assist organizations and professionals in developing practical skills to manage workplace issues and personal conflict. Thelese has partnered with entertainment, government agencies, behavioral healthcare organizations, and nonprofits to provide employee assistance programs, webinar training, crisis interventions, and in-person training nationwide. Thelese Consulting Group pride itself in having a diverse staff of clinicians with bilingual & ASL. We are virtual.
![Photo of Jamie N Johnson - Sense Of Self, MS, LPCC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5388b974-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Counseling services are provided to help couples, families, and individuals who experience issues dealing with life transitions, divorce, marital issues, self-fulfillment, personal growth, anxiety, depression and other discomforts that can cause major issues in their day to day lives. I will help clients to understand themselves, set goals, think positively, and gain independence in their thoughts and abilities. I find that most of my clients are looking to find a decrease in stress, acceptance, love, and strength to move on to the next part in their life.
Counseling services are provided to help couples, families, and individuals who experience issues dealing with life transitions, divorce, marital issues, self-fulfillment, personal growth, anxiety, depression and other discomforts that can cause major issues in their day to day lives. I will help clients to understand themselves, set goals, think positively, and gain independence in their thoughts and abilities. I find that most of my clients are looking to find a decrease in stress, acceptance, love, and strength to move on to the next part in their life.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Lisa Espinoza, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cf11b3d-7aae-429a-aa60-f58f5de0227a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lisa Espinoza
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Culver City, CA 90230 (Online Only)
Hello! My name is Lisa Espinoza and I'm a LCSW based in Central California. I like to encourage clients that no matter what they feel or their circumstances, they can improve their lives with the right support and tools. My approach to therapy utilizes CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, SFBT, Grief Therapy, Solution Focused, and Supportive. I allow the client to set the stage for what they need in their life. I work with them based on their strengths and provide exercises they can engage in to improve their thought lives, better manage their emotions, and overall build their confidence for communicating their needs.
Hello! My name is Lisa Espinoza and I'm a LCSW based in Central California. I like to encourage clients that no matter what they feel or their circumstances, they can improve their lives with the right support and tools. My approach to therapy utilizes CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, SFBT, Grief Therapy, Solution Focused, and Supportive. I allow the client to set the stage for what they need in their life. I work with them based on their strengths and provide exercises they can engage in to improve their thought lives, better manage their emotions, and overall build their confidence for communicating their needs.
![Photo of Jesus Aceves, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8b703ecf-b87e-4d37-86ea-42d3164382cc/2/320x400.jpeg)
I commonly use CBT, Motivational Interviewing and ACT in my practice.
Hello my name is Jesus Aceves, LCSW, I approach therapy as a safe place for clients to explore their true feelings and a safe environment for them to process their lived experiences. I focus on helping clients with depression, childhood and adult traumas, and anxiety disorders. My clinical focuses has been helping clients who are experiencing depression, PTSD and anxiety. I have a history working with childhood, sexual and adulthood traumas.
I commonly use CBT, Motivational Interviewing and ACT in my practice.
Hello my name is Jesus Aceves, LCSW, I approach therapy as a safe place for clients to explore their true feelings and a safe environment for them to process their lived experiences. I focus on helping clients with depression, childhood and adult traumas, and anxiety disorders. My clinical focuses has been helping clients who are experiencing depression, PTSD and anxiety. I have a history working with childhood, sexual and adulthood traumas.
![Photo of Terry Masi, PsyD, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3dd9a49f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Terry Masi
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Culver City, CA 90230
My specialties include EMDR for trauma, CBT for depression and anxiety and motivational interviewing with 12-steps for addiction.
The therapeutic process is unique to the client. For some it involves deep reflection and questioning old idea's, and for others a problem solving collaboration. For me it is the excitement of the journey you will embark on, and the endless possibilities for growth. Transparency is paramount, and key to the process for both client and therapist. Work is progressive and tailored to the individual. As issues emerge, treatment plans are re-assessed and revised to meet client needs. For trauma I am trained in Trauma focused CBT and Functional Family Systems,for addiction CBT and 12-step and for couples family systems therapy.
My specialties include EMDR for trauma, CBT for depression and anxiety and motivational interviewing with 12-steps for addiction.
The therapeutic process is unique to the client. For some it involves deep reflection and questioning old idea's, and for others a problem solving collaboration. For me it is the excitement of the journey you will embark on, and the endless possibilities for growth. Transparency is paramount, and key to the process for both client and therapist. Work is progressive and tailored to the individual. As issues emerge, treatment plans are re-assessed and revised to meet client needs. For trauma I am trained in Trauma focused CBT and Functional Family Systems,for addiction CBT and 12-step and for couples family systems therapy.
![Photo of Tanya Frausto, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/18b80e5b-f4e0-4d2e-9923-bef8244a4d7f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tanya Frausto
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90045 (Online Only)
As a practitioner, I use client centered, strength-based techniques from Mindfulness, Self-Compassion, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
Hello, my name is Tanya Frausto. I proudly identify as a bilingual, first-generation Latina college graduate, daughter of immigrants, who comes from a low-income background. I earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of San Diego, a master’s degree in social work from San Diego State University, and am licensed in the state of California. From my own lived experience, I understand that many of my clients were not raised in a home that fostered mental health practices. My goal is to support my clients as they find their inner strength to face the stressors of daily life with grace and courage.
As a practitioner, I use client centered, strength-based techniques from Mindfulness, Self-Compassion, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
Hello, my name is Tanya Frausto. I proudly identify as a bilingual, first-generation Latina college graduate, daughter of immigrants, who comes from a low-income background. I earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of San Diego, a master’s degree in social work from San Diego State University, and am licensed in the state of California. From my own lived experience, I understand that many of my clients were not raised in a home that fostered mental health practices. My goal is to support my clients as they find their inner strength to face the stressors of daily life with grace and courage.
![Photo of Alejandra Guerrero, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b2c8200-a175-4524-ab8d-344890754e67/1/320x400.png)
Hello, my name is Alejandra Guerrero and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I work with adolescents and adults with depression, anxiety, emotion regulation, and stress, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focus Brief-Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing skills and interventions. I am based in Bakersfield, California, and work with clients via telehealth statewide. I am passionate about creating a safe therapeutic space for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) clients.
Hello, my name is Alejandra Guerrero and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I work with adolescents and adults with depression, anxiety, emotion regulation, and stress, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focus Brief-Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing skills and interventions. I am based in Bakersfield, California, and work with clients via telehealth statewide. I am passionate about creating a safe therapeutic space for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) clients.
![Photo of Victor Alcantar, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c6f00ddf-f68b-49ae-b11b-680a56f9522a/2/320x400.jpeg)
My favorite treatment modalities consist of cognitive behavioral and family therapy as well as motivational interviewing to facilitate the desired changes of you life and treatment objectives.
Hello, My name is Victor Alcantar, LMFT and I have over 21 years of experience as a mental health professional. I have experience in working with acute and chronic mental health disorders. Not only do I believe that the relationship between your thoughts, feelings and actions are essential to your mental health and daily functioning, but I am certain that they are the foundation to healthy relationships with friends, family and intimate partners in your personal life at home, work and social network.
My favorite treatment modalities consist of cognitive behavioral and family therapy as well as motivational interviewing to facilitate the desired changes of you life and treatment objectives.
Hello, My name is Victor Alcantar, LMFT and I have over 21 years of experience as a mental health professional. I have experience in working with acute and chronic mental health disorders. Not only do I believe that the relationship between your thoughts, feelings and actions are essential to your mental health and daily functioning, but I am certain that they are the foundation to healthy relationships with friends, family and intimate partners in your personal life at home, work and social network.
![Photo of Joanne Piedra - Step with Teen, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4de1d2ca-0cd4-4c15-b5e7-40525e70d429/2/320x400.jpeg)
Step with Teen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90045 (Online Only)
Specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 30+ years of clinical experience, & also a Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor. I provide parenting groups for parents of teens. STEP/Teen helps parents build close family relationships by helping parents deal with everyday problems such as moods, schoolwork, meals, & confronts today's more complex issues as substance use, sex, bullying, gangs, & depression. 8 sessions address issues •Understanding Yourself & Your Teen •Changing Your Response to Your Teen •Communicating Respect & Encouragement •Encouraging Cooperation and Solving Problems •Using Consequences to Build Responsibility.
Specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 30+ years of clinical experience, & also a Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor. I provide parenting groups for parents of teens. STEP/Teen helps parents build close family relationships by helping parents deal with everyday problems such as moods, schoolwork, meals, & confronts today's more complex issues as substance use, sex, bullying, gangs, & depression. 8 sessions address issues •Understanding Yourself & Your Teen •Changing Your Response to Your Teen •Communicating Respect & Encouragement •Encouraging Cooperation and Solving Problems •Using Consequences to Build Responsibility.
![Photo of Laura Michelle Hernandez, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47b52108-2a6a-4902-bf76-905370619365/2/320x400.png)
Laura Michelle Hernandez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90056 (Online Only)
Laura has additional training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Somatic Experiencing, and treatments for Complex Traumatic Stress Disorders (PRISM) and works for her community, collaborating closely with grassroots organizations in Los Angeles to enhance health equity and promote transformative justice.
Laura is a first-generation, first-born, bi-racial (Korean-Salvadorian) Licensed Clinical Social Worker and offers expert, culturally responsive care focused on recovery. In her practice she works with adults and families navigating life changes, mental health challenges, societal injustices, and those aiming to end their intergenerational trauma. With certifications in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Enhanced Illness Management and Recovery, she specializes in addressing trauma, complex-trauma, racial trauma, and stress-related issues, as well as anxiety, depression, and grief.
Laura has additional training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Somatic Experiencing, and treatments for Complex Traumatic Stress Disorders (PRISM) and works for her community, collaborating closely with grassroots organizations in Los Angeles to enhance health equity and promote transformative justice.
Laura is a first-generation, first-born, bi-racial (Korean-Salvadorian) Licensed Clinical Social Worker and offers expert, culturally responsive care focused on recovery. In her practice she works with adults and families navigating life changes, mental health challenges, societal injustices, and those aiming to end their intergenerational trauma. With certifications in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Enhanced Illness Management and Recovery, she specializes in addressing trauma, complex-trauma, racial trauma, and stress-related issues, as well as anxiety, depression, and grief.
![Photo of Susana N. Ramos, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9612d22d-3d4f-4c72-8555-4179e6ea96c8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Susana N. Ramos
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90045 (Online Only)
My therapeutic methods often involve using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Art Therapy, Solution- Focus and Motivational Interviewing.
My passion is supporting clients in moving beyond merely surviving, towards freedom and joy, in order to truly LIVE. My practice centers around working with people of color, marginalized communities, and allies to find healing and growth from depression, trauma, racism-based stress, anxiety and burnout. I bring an anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and social justice lens to my work. I have spent my career helping young adults feel safe, empowered, seen, and understood.
My therapeutic methods often involve using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Art Therapy, Solution- Focus and Motivational Interviewing.
My passion is supporting clients in moving beyond merely surviving, towards freedom and joy, in order to truly LIVE. My practice centers around working with people of color, marginalized communities, and allies to find healing and growth from depression, trauma, racism-based stress, anxiety and burnout. I bring an anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and social justice lens to my work. I have spent my career helping young adults feel safe, empowered, seen, and understood.
![Photo of Rachel Koonse, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/99322d75-faef-4dac-b416-dfa5e4cb382e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rachel Koonse
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90045 (Online Only)
I draw upon aspects of Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
Entering therapy is a courageous first step toward recognizing your truest potential. As a therapist, I utilize an eclectic approach based on my client's needs. It is of utmost importance for me to build a therapeutic space that is authentic, safe, and honest, an environment where growth is possible amidst encouragement and support.
I draw upon aspects of Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
Entering therapy is a courageous first step toward recognizing your truest potential. As a therapist, I utilize an eclectic approach based on my client's needs. It is of utmost importance for me to build a therapeutic space that is authentic, safe, and honest, an environment where growth is possible amidst encouragement and support.
![Photo of Sara DeLaney, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3facbf3d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sara DeLaney
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90045 (Online Only)
I use evidenced-based treatments including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing in my work.
Are you feeling stuck in some aspect of your life? Are you ready for a change, but are unsure of where or how to start? I would like to help! Life takes on new meaning when we look inward, develop a greater sense of purpose and feel energized. So many things can get us stuck, leaving us unsure or afraid to move forward. I want to help you figure out what is holding you back and enhance your journey of self-discovery. With 15 years of experience working with people, I have learned valuable tools to help you on your journey and have seen people make incredible progress.
I use evidenced-based treatments including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing in my work.
Are you feeling stuck in some aspect of your life? Are you ready for a change, but are unsure of where or how to start? I would like to help! Life takes on new meaning when we look inward, develop a greater sense of purpose and feel energized. So many things can get us stuck, leaving us unsure or afraid to move forward. I want to help you figure out what is holding you back and enhance your journey of self-discovery. With 15 years of experience working with people, I have learned valuable tools to help you on your journey and have seen people make incredible progress.
![Photo of Christina Harney - Advanced Behavioral Health Care , LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b59892f1-b436-4e12-a174-ce8ee13aec53/2/320x400.jpeg)
Advanced Behavioral Health Care
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90045 (Online Only)
I use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, solutions focused therapy, motivational interviewing and relaxation training.
Feeling stressed and overwhelmed by life? This is a natural response to all the competing demands on our time, energy and attention. Are you ready to talk through life's challenges and learn to not only cope but thrive? Come see how talk therapy can help you to lead a healthy, authentic and happy life.
I use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, solutions focused therapy, motivational interviewing and relaxation training.
Feeling stressed and overwhelmed by life? This is a natural response to all the competing demands on our time, energy and attention. Are you ready to talk through life's challenges and learn to not only cope but thrive? Come see how talk therapy can help you to lead a healthy, authentic and happy life.
See more therapy options for Westchester
Nearby Motivational Interviewing Therapists Searches for Westchester
- Baldwin Hills
- Culver City
- El Segundo
- Hawthorne
- Inglewood
- Lawndale
- Manhattan Beach
- Marina Del Rey
- Playa Del Rey
- Venice
- West Los Angeles
- Windsor Hills
Motivational Interviewing Therapists
How does motivational interviewing work?
Motivational interviewing aims to uncover a person’s internal motivation to change their life. Toward this end, the therapist listens, empathizes, and collaborates with the client based on their perspective; the therapist doesn’t adhere to a predetermined plan for change or impose their viewpoint on the client. Discovering an individual’s most important reasons for change, and guiding them to achieve those changes, can empower people to shift from ambivalence to action.
Is motivational interviewing evidence-based?
Yes, research shows that motivational interviewing can help treat alcohol and substance use — and in different ways such as reducing drinking, reducing resistance, and increasing the likelihood of staying in treatment. Motivational interviewing has also been shown to help people lose weight, adhere to medication regimens, improve diet for those with Type II diabetes, and improve healthy behaviors in children.
How long does motivational interviewing last?
Motivational interviewing is a short-term therapy that can last just one or two sessions. In some cases, motivational interviewing may be used in conjunction with longer-term therapies, but for most people, motivational interviewing is a brief intervention that aims to help patients understand their personal, specific, and internal reasons for changing their life.
What differentiates motivational interviewing from person-centered therapy?
In person-centered therapy, the individual is in the driver’s seat of the treatment process, creating space for them to trust their instincts and arrive at their own solutions. The two approaches are similar because motivational interviewing is also client-centered; however, person-centered therapy is more open-ended while motivational interviewing is somewhat more structured; the goal is to change, and the therapist helps the client specifically discover their internal motivations to modify their behavior.