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