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