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