Moderate EvidenceEngagementBrief intervention

Motivational Interviewing(MI)

Last evidence review: January 20266 printable resources

Showing plain-language explanations suitable for anyone.

Overview

Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, goal-oriented conversational approach developed by William Miller and Stephen Rollnick, designed to strengthen a person’s motivation and commitment to change. It is especially useful when ambivalence is high.

What this therapy focuses on

Eliciting the person’s own reasons for change, reducing resistance, and supporting self-efficacy without confrontation. MI is guided by a spirit of collaboration, evocation, autonomy support, and compassion.

What sessions are usually like

Brief or integrated: 20–60 minutes

Can be single-session or a short series

Conversational and non-directive

Often integrated into other treatment approaches

Session profile

Duration: 20–60 minutes
Frequency: Variable
Typical course: 1–4 sessions (or integrated)
Between sessions: Values reflection, change plans

Common uses and suitability

What problems it is commonly used for

Substance use and addictionsHealth behaviour changeTreatment engagement in complex careLifestyle change (sleep, activity, medication adherence)Pre-therapy preparation

Who this therapy may suit best

  • People who are ambivalent about change
  • Those who react against directive approaches
  • Individuals early in their readiness to change

When it may need adapting or may not be suitable

  • Not a standalone treatment for severe mental illness
  • Should not be used as a persuasion technique
  • Requires genuine respect for autonomy

Where this therapy may not be enough

MI is not a standalone treatment for severe mental illness. It is an engagement and motivation approach, not a comprehensive therapy.

What happens in therapy

OARS

Open questions, Affirmations, Reflections, and Summaries — the core conversational skills.

Eliciting Change Talk

Your therapist helps you articulate your own reasons for wanting things to be different.

Change Planning

When you’re ready, collaboratively developing a concrete plan for change.

Evidence Base

Guideline support

Common adjunct across many pathways. Included in NICE guidance for substance misuse and as an engagement strategy.

Strength of evidence

Moderate; strongest for substance use and engagement outcomes. Meta-analyses support small-to-moderate effects across multiple health behaviours.

Limitations

Effects are typically small-to-moderate. Skill-dependent: easy to misapply as persuasion. Not a standalone treatment for complex mental health conditions.

Evidence claims by condition

Substance UseModerate EvidenceAdults

MI helps people find their own motivation to change substance use and other health behaviours.

Resources & Printables

For Adults

Readiness Ruler Worksheet

A visual tool for exploring motivation and readiness for change.

Coming soon
Values and Goals Clarification Sheet

A worksheet linking values to change goals.

Coming soon
Change Plan Template

A structured template for creating a change plan.

Coming soon

For Teenagers (12–17)

Autonomy-Framed Change Plan

A teen-adapted change planning tool respecting autonomy.

Coming soon

For Parents & Caregivers

Supporting Change Without Control Battles

Guidance for parents on supporting motivation without coercion.

Coming soon

For Professionals

MI Micro-Skills Checklist

A self-assessment checklist for MI skills.

Coming soon

Practitioner & Training Notes

Typical professional background

Wide range of professionals: therapists, nurses, social workers, GPs, counsellors.

Recognised training routes

MI training available through MINT (Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers) and affiliated programmes. Multiple levels from introductory to advanced.

Registration considerations

No single register. MINT provides trainer/practitioner networks.

Source Registry

Last evidence review: January 2026. All sources are verified and checked on a scheduled cadence.