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