People with mental illnesses require a delicate approach, which would not discourage them from using the counsellor’s services. One option, which can help such patients cope with their difficulties is to use motivational interviewing. Although there is no established theory behind motivational interviewing, it is still possible to use the framework for other therapies to achieve similar results (Britton et al., 2011). By borrowing from such interventions as cognitive-behavioral therapy and self-determination theory, it is possible to use motivational interviewing to help patients.
First, it is essential to understand that motivational interviewing is a two way process. The counselor cannot force the patient to change themselves, unless they desire so as well (SW Classes, 2016b). However, it is possible to motivate the client to resolve their personal issues by inquiring about them. As client is the ultimate expert on themselves, it is essential to motivate them to analyze their own situation (SW Classes, 2016d). Once a person understands their mental illness, they can overcome it.
Second, it is important to remember that motivational interviewing does not yield immediate results. Barrowclough et al. (2010) note that despite a year long intervention, which encompassed motivational interviewing, people with psychosis and substance misuse still got hospitalized. Behavioral change is extremely complicated and it cannot be accomplished in a short period (SW Classes, 2016a). This is why it is imperative for the counsellor to be patient and honest with the client about their condition (SW Classes, 2016c). Only when a patient is aware of their mental damage, can they amass the strength to overcome it. Honesty, motivation and patience are instrumental in reinforcing the patient in the struggle against their mental health conditions.
References
Barrowclough, C., Haddock, G., Wykes, T., Beardmore, R., Conrod, P., Craig, T., Davies, L., Dunn, G., Eisner, E., Lewis, S., Moring, J., Steel, C., & Tarrier, N. (2010). Integrated motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural therapy for people with psychosis and comorbid substance misuse: Randomised controlled trial.BMJ, 341, 1-12.
Britton, P. C., Patrick, H., Wenzel, A., & Williams, G. C. (2011). Integrating motivational interviewing and self-determination theory with cognitive behavioral therapy to prevent suicide. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 18(1), 16-27.
SW Classes. (2016a). Motivational interviewing [Video]. YouTube.
SW Classes. (2016b). Motivational interviewing – background and principles [Video]. YouTube.
SW Classes. (2016c). Motivational interviewing – handling resistance [Video]. YouTube.
SW Classes. (2016d). Motivational interviewing – opening strategies [Video]. YouTube.