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