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