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