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