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