Find a Motivational Interviewing Therapist

What is Motivational Interviewing?

Motivational Interviewing, often shortened to MI, is a conversational approach used in counselling to help people resolve mixed feelings about change. Rather than telling you what to do, a therapist using MI will guide a respectful dialogue that helps you weigh options, identify your own reasons for change and strengthen motivation you may already have. The approach is collaborative and client-centred, with an emphasis on listening, reflecting and evoking what you want to achieve.

Underlying principles

The practice of Motivational Interviewing rests on a few key principles that shape how sessions unfold. Therapists show empathy through careful listening and open questions, they develop discrepancy by helping you see differences between current behaviour and personal goals, they roll with resistance rather than confronting it, and they support self-efficacy by reinforcing your belief that change is possible. These principles encourage what is called change talk - statements you make that favour moving in a new direction - and the therapist helps you notice and build on those moments.

Common issues Motivational Interviewing is used for

MI is commonly applied where motivation and ambivalence are central to the problem. You will often find it used for substance use and alcohol concerns, smoking cessation, weight management and other health-related behaviour changes. It is also helpful when people struggle to engage with longer-term treatment - for example, when someone is unsure about starting therapy, medication or a rehabilitation programme. Motivational Interviewing is frequently integrated with other approaches to support practical change, such as in medical settings, mental health services and community support programmes.

What a typical Motivational Interviewing session looks like

A session using Motivational Interviewing usually begins with the therapist inviting you to talk about what matters most to you. The tone is conversational rather than instructional. Your therapist will ask open questions designed to help you explore your thoughts and feelings, and they will reflect back what they hear to ensure understanding and to encourage deeper thinking. Rather than giving advice straight away, they may offer information but only with your permission, and they will avoid arguing against your resistance.

As the session progresses, the therapist aims to elicit change talk - your own expressions of desire, ability, reasons and need for change. These moments become the focus, as they often point to realistic next steps. Depending on your needs, a session might end with a collaborative plan that includes small, practical goals, or with an agreement to continue exploring your options. Sessions are adaptable - some people meet weekly, others less often, and meetings can be in person or online depending on what you prefer.

How Motivational Interviewing differs from other approaches

Motivational Interviewing differs from more directive or technique-driven therapies in that it prioritises your autonomy and your reasons for change. Where some approaches emphasise structured interventions or homework tasks, MI starts with where you are and seeks to amplify your own motivation. Compared with cognitive behavioural therapy, which focuses on the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviours and often includes skills training and structured exercises, MI focuses first on whether and why you want to change. That said, MI is not incompatible with other treatments; it is commonly used alongside CBT, behaviour change programmes or medical treatment to help people engage and commit to the work involved.

Compared with psychodynamic approaches, which explore deeper patterns and past influences, MI is generally more pragmatic and present-focused. It is not about analysing past causes in depth but about clarifying current goals and enabling actionable steps. This means MI can be relatively brief and focused, though it can also form the starting point for longer-term work if deeper issues emerge and you choose to pursue them.

Who is a good candidate for Motivational Interviewing?

You may be a good candidate for Motivational Interviewing if you feel uncertain about making a change, if you recognise a problem but find yourself resisting steps to address it, or if previous attempts at change have stalled. MI suits people who want a respectful, non-judgemental conversation that centres on their priorities. It works well when ambivalence - mixed feelings about change - is a barrier, and when you want to develop a clearer, personally meaningful plan.

Motivational Interviewing may be less suitable as a sole approach for urgent mental health crises or where immediate risk is present. If you are experiencing significant distress, thoughts of harming yourself or others, or other severe symptoms, it is important to seek crisis support or contact emergency services. For many other concerns, MI can be part of a supportive pathway that helps you engage with further treatment when you feel ready.

How to find the right therapist trained in Motivational Interviewing

When you are looking for a therapist who uses Motivational Interviewing, start by checking their professional registration and training. In the UK, reputable practitioners will usually be registered with recognised bodies such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, the UK Council for Psychotherapy or the Health and Care Professions Council. Many therapists will list specific MI training or accreditation on their profile, which can give you confidence that they have studied the approach in depth.

It is reasonable to ask prospective therapists about their experience using Motivational Interviewing - how long they have practised with it, what kinds of issues they have used it for and whether they combine it with other approaches. Ask how they typically structure a first session and what you might expect in terms of frequency, duration and fees. You should also enquire about practical arrangements such as location, whether they offer online appointments and how they handle cancellations.

When you contact a therapist, notice how they respond. A good MI-informed practitioner will listen to your concerns, ask about your reasons for seeking help and respect your choices about next steps. You do not have to commit to a long programme straight away - it is acceptable to arrange a single session or an initial assessment to see if the therapist's style suits you. Many people find it helpful to try one or two meetings before deciding whether to continue.

Practical considerations and what to expect next

Think about what you want from therapy before you book - whether you are looking for short-term help to make a specific change or longer-term support for broader personal development. Consider your budget and whether you prefer an in-person meeting or an online appointment, and check whether your chosen therapist offers any sliding scale fees or can signpost lower-cost options. If you are using NHS services, ask whether MI is available within local teams and how it might be combined with other supports.

Finally, trust your own experience. A successful therapeutic relationship relies on feeling listened to and understood. If a therapist's approach does not feel like the right fit, it is reasonable to look for someone else. Motivational Interviewing is designed to enhance your sense of agency and readiness for change, and the right practitioner will work with you to identify steps that feel achievable and meaningful for you.