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