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