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