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