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