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