Motivational Interviewing (MI) is particularly valuable for adoption when ambivalence about change is blocking recovery.
Ambivalence in Adoption
People with adoption are often ambivalent about change — part wants relief, part fears the unknown of being without familiar adoption patterns. This is normal, not resistance.
How MI Addresses Adoption Ambivalence
MI uses specific techniques to help people explore and resolve their ambivalence about adoption treatment:
- Reflective listening: Hearing and naming both sides of adoption ambivalence
- Decisional balance: Exploring pros and cons of changing vs. staying the same with adoption
- Evoking change talk: Drawing out the person's own reasons for addressing adoption
- Affirming strengths: Highlighting past capacities relevant to adoption recovery
MI in Adoption Treatment Settings
MI is integrated into many adoption treatment approaches as an engagement tool. It's particularly useful at the beginning of treatment and when motivation fluctuates.