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