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