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