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