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