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