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