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