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