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