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