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