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