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