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