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