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