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