Motivational Interviewing Therapists in Jacksonville, FL

Photo of Xarria Taylor, Pre-Licensed Professional in Jacksonville, FL
Xarria Taylor
Pre-Licensed Professional, RCSWI
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Jacksonville, FL 32225
I provide comprehensive services to individuals through Supportive Counseling and Motivational Interviewing techniques to facilitate positive client interaction and outcomes.
Are you overwhelmed by feelings of stress, anxiety, depression, or trauma? Do you feel like you have no one to truly open up to about your issues? My desire is to harbor a safe space for my clients to express themselves freely without judgment, and help them become the authors of their own lives.
I provide comprehensive services to individuals through Supportive Counseling and Motivational Interviewing techniques to facilitate positive client interaction and outcomes.
Are you overwhelmed by feelings of stress, anxiety, depression, or trauma? Do you feel like you have no one to truly open up to about your issues? My desire is to harbor a safe space for my clients to express themselves freely without judgment, and help them become the authors of their own lives.
(904) 842-3503 View (904) 842-3503
Photo of Marykate Wihnyk, Counselor in Jacksonville, FL
Marykate Wihnyk
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Jacksonville, FL 32223
I AM CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. It is completely normal to find yourself struggling with the things life throws at you. Mental health counseling can provide relief and help you grow. I have experience with people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, sexual and gender identity issues, academic difficulties, and interpersonal relationships. I use cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and relational therapy, I work to help both adolescents and adults improve their lives.
I AM CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. It is completely normal to find yourself struggling with the things life throws at you. Mental health counseling can provide relief and help you grow. I have experience with people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, sexual and gender identity issues, academic difficulties, and interpersonal relationships. I use cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and relational therapy, I work to help both adolescents and adults improve their lives.
(904) 265-9105 View (904) 265-9105
Photo of Dorimar Arroyo, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Jacksonville, FL
Dorimar Arroyo
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Jacksonville, FL 32246
I use different methods such as evidence based cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, solution focused brief therapy, motivational interviewing methods, attachment based, Gottman method, and mindfulness based among other techniques to assist my clients to create insights.
My ideal client struggles with insecurities, fears, has low self- esteem, and difficulties to identify his or her strengths. He or she has fears, and anxieties, and create the worst possible case scenarios in his or her inner dialogue for situations that he or she finds threatening or challenging. Also my ideal client needs to identify strategies to better manage their time. My ideal client struggles with anxieties in his or her relationship, which could lead to codependency and anxious attachment patterns.
I use different methods such as evidence based cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, solution focused brief therapy, motivational interviewing methods, attachment based, Gottman method, and mindfulness based among other techniques to assist my clients to create insights.
My ideal client struggles with insecurities, fears, has low self- esteem, and difficulties to identify his or her strengths. He or she has fears, and anxieties, and create the worst possible case scenarios in his or her inner dialogue for situations that he or she finds threatening or challenging. Also my ideal client needs to identify strategies to better manage their time. My ideal client struggles with anxieties in his or her relationship, which could lead to codependency and anxious attachment patterns.
(561) 556-3759 View (561) 556-3759
Photo of O'Neil Richards, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Jacksonville, FL
O'Neil Richards
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-QS
Verified Verified
Jacksonville, FL 32218
Admitting that we need help can be very difficult and can be a source of anxiety and depression. My goal is to help alleviate your anxiety/depression by providing a safe, accepting and non-judgmental environment. I work collaboratively to address identified problems/areas of concern. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families. I am trained in and utilize several treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
Admitting that we need help can be very difficult and can be a source of anxiety and depression. My goal is to help alleviate your anxiety/depression by providing a safe, accepting and non-judgmental environment. I work collaboratively to address identified problems/areas of concern. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families. I am trained in and utilize several treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
(904) 320-0230 View (904) 320-0230
Photo of Yolanda Tingler, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Jacksonville, FL
Yolanda Tingler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Jacksonville, FL 32207
I use several approaches depending on the client's needs such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychotherapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy, Behavioral Focused Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, etc.
Hello! My name is Yolanda Tingler, but I prefer to be called Rhonda. My license number in FL is SW13846. I treat a variety of conditions including but not limited to ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar, Personality Disorders, OCD, Phobias, Trauma, Military life issues, etc using a variety of techniques. I specialize in individual, family, and group therapy for both Deaf/Hard of Hearing, people with disabilities, and hearing individuals. I have been a Sign Language Interpreter for 25 years so I am fluent in American Sign Language. I also work with college students as I am knowledgeable regarding student issues and academic needs
I use several approaches depending on the client's needs such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychotherapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy, Behavioral Focused Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, etc.
Hello! My name is Yolanda Tingler, but I prefer to be called Rhonda. My license number in FL is SW13846. I treat a variety of conditions including but not limited to ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar, Personality Disorders, OCD, Phobias, Trauma, Military life issues, etc using a variety of techniques. I specialize in individual, family, and group therapy for both Deaf/Hard of Hearing, people with disabilities, and hearing individuals. I have been a Sign Language Interpreter for 25 years so I am fluent in American Sign Language. I also work with college students as I am knowledgeable regarding student issues and academic needs
(904) 747-9055 View (904) 747-9055
Photo of Julia Murchison, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Jacksonville, FL
Julia Murchison
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Jacksonville, FL 32246
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Florida working as a clinical therapist. My focus is helping people learn to feel safe in their own body while addressing issues of stress, anxiety, depression, grief, complex trauma, and substance use. I work with people who are experiencing feelings of overwhelm with life stressors, anxiety, and a desire to feel at peace within themselves. I use cognitive behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, ACT, polyvagal theory, and mindfulness skills through a psychodynamic lens to empower you to uncover the emotional blocks and thought patterns that may be keeping you stuck.
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Florida working as a clinical therapist. My focus is helping people learn to feel safe in their own body while addressing issues of stress, anxiety, depression, grief, complex trauma, and substance use. I work with people who are experiencing feelings of overwhelm with life stressors, anxiety, and a desire to feel at peace within themselves. I use cognitive behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, ACT, polyvagal theory, and mindfulness skills through a psychodynamic lens to empower you to uncover the emotional blocks and thought patterns that may be keeping you stuck.
(904) 638-3385 View (904) 638-3385
Photo of Nada Frazier, Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern in Jacksonville, FL
Nada Frazier
Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern, MSW, RCSWI
Verified Verified
Jacksonville, FL 32216
I utilize evidence-based practices, including integrative, strengths-based, mindfulness-based modalities, stress reduction and resiliency, motivational interviewing, narrative, cognitive behavior, cognitive processing, feminist, and solution-focused brief therapy.
I support people in planning/adjusting to life transitions such as loss, grieving, coping with a diagnosis/chronic illness (patient &/or loved ones) and pain, caregiving, relationship issues, anxiety, stress, and depression. We will focus on you as the expert of your life and identify your strengths to help in your personal growth, self-discovery, and development. We will collaboratively add tools to your life skills toolbox. I also work with professionals experiencing career transitions, compassion fatigue, and burnout and help develop practical and empowering self-care practices, increased functioning, and life fulfillment.
I utilize evidence-based practices, including integrative, strengths-based, mindfulness-based modalities, stress reduction and resiliency, motivational interviewing, narrative, cognitive behavior, cognitive processing, feminist, and solution-focused brief therapy.
I support people in planning/adjusting to life transitions such as loss, grieving, coping with a diagnosis/chronic illness (patient &/or loved ones) and pain, caregiving, relationship issues, anxiety, stress, and depression. We will focus on you as the expert of your life and identify your strengths to help in your personal growth, self-discovery, and development. We will collaboratively add tools to your life skills toolbox. I also work with professionals experiencing career transitions, compassion fatigue, and burnout and help develop practical and empowering self-care practices, increased functioning, and life fulfillment.
(904) 849-9704 View (904) 849-9704
Photo of Hallie Kritsas, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Jacksonville, FL
Hallie Kritsas
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Jacksonville, FL 32210
Hallie is a Licensed Therapist in the state of Florida and operates from a strengths-based approach, utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing, amongst other evidence-based practices. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, coping with life changes, and individuals with relationship issues. Hallie believes each person has their own unique story and she looks forward to hearing yours and working together!
Hallie is a Licensed Therapist in the state of Florida and operates from a strengths-based approach, utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing, amongst other evidence-based practices. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, coping with life changes, and individuals with relationship issues. Hallie believes each person has their own unique story and she looks forward to hearing yours and working together!
(904) 364-1941 View (904) 364-1941
Photo of Aisha Burgess, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Jacksonville, FL
Aisha Burgess
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, L, C, S, W
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Jacksonville, FL 32256  (Online Only)
My counseling approach combines motivational interviewing and solution-focused counseling methods.
I have over 7 years of experience working with clients to address concerns stemming from anxiety, depression, and various stage of life concerns. My clinical area of focus involves Anxiety Disorders, Depression, and Stress Management.
My counseling approach combines motivational interviewing and solution-focused counseling methods.
I have over 7 years of experience working with clients to address concerns stemming from anxiety, depression, and various stage of life concerns. My clinical area of focus involves Anxiety Disorders, Depression, and Stress Management.
(904) 664-3216 View (904) 664-3216
Photo of Jenna Gosden, Counselor in Jacksonville, FL
Jenna Gosden
Counselor, MA, LMHC, DMCP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Jacksonville, FL 32204
I provide Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, which helps individuals understand their thoughts and feelings so they can restructure their thinking patterns, and I use Motivational Interviewing to help clients articulate their goals.
Are you struggling with feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or worried? You are certainly not alone, especially now when so many of us are trying to navigate the uncertainty of our present reality and what the future may hold. If you're trying to tackle new challenges, re-evaluate your goals, manage your feelings, or cope with everything the world is throwing at you, know that you're not alone. I want to help you identify and achieve your goals.
I provide Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, which helps individuals understand their thoughts and feelings so they can restructure their thinking patterns, and I use Motivational Interviewing to help clients articulate their goals.
Are you struggling with feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or worried? You are certainly not alone, especially now when so many of us are trying to navigate the uncertainty of our present reality and what the future may hold. If you're trying to tackle new challenges, re-evaluate your goals, manage your feelings, or cope with everything the world is throwing at you, know that you're not alone. I want to help you identify and achieve your goals.
(904) 439-7430 View (904) 439-7430
Photo of Tina Gillems, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Jacksonville, FL
Tina Gillems
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Jacksonville, FL 32218  (Online Only)
I like to use the following Evidence based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Solution Focused therapy, Person-Centered therapy, and Motivational interviewing.
I have over 17 years of experience with Children and Families, Adults and children within the community, child welfare, individual and family therapy, case management and medical social work. I have worked within the Juvenile and adult justice system, LGBTQ population and their families, children and adults with mental health, children and adults that have aged out of foster care, and others in the community. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, domestic violence, and many more.
I like to use the following Evidence based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Solution Focused therapy, Person-Centered therapy, and Motivational interviewing.
I have over 17 years of experience with Children and Families, Adults and children within the community, child welfare, individual and family therapy, case management and medical social work. I have worked within the Juvenile and adult justice system, LGBTQ population and their families, children and adults with mental health, children and adults that have aged out of foster care, and others in the community. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, domestic violence, and many more.
(904) 467-1249 View (904) 467-1249
Photo of Chelsea Bey-Moon, Pre-Licensed Professional in Jacksonville, FL
Chelsea Bey-Moon
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW
Verified Verified
Jacksonville, FL 32202  (Online Only)
Greetings! I specialize in working with individuals who are challenged with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and life transitions. I have experience working with individuals and families in various practice settings. I provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution- Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Currently providing telehealth services to Florida residents.
Greetings! I specialize in working with individuals who are challenged with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and life transitions. I have experience working with individuals and families in various practice settings. I provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution- Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Currently providing telehealth services to Florida residents.
(804) 375-4813 x715 View (804) 375-4813 x715
Photo of Aquarius N Cox, Licensed Professional Counselor in Jacksonville, FL
Aquarius N Cox
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Jacksonville, FL 32244  (Online Only)
Some modalities, that I use, are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma Informed Therapy, Christian Centered Therapy and more.
Taking new clients. Sliding scale fee for private pay. Accept most insurances. I am an overcomer. Let me help you to overcome as well. Your story is important and needs to be told. If you are struggling with the motivation for day-to-day life functioning, feeling overwhelmed or a little sadder than usual or perhaps you have some challenges that you need some guidance with, therapy may be best for you.
Some modalities, that I use, are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma Informed Therapy, Christian Centered Therapy and more.
Taking new clients. Sliding scale fee for private pay. Accept most insurances. I am an overcomer. Let me help you to overcome as well. Your story is important and needs to be told. If you are struggling with the motivation for day-to-day life functioning, feeling overwhelmed or a little sadder than usual or perhaps you have some challenges that you need some guidance with, therapy may be best for you.
(904) 601-1145 View (904) 601-1145
Photo of Lindsey Duncan, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Jacksonville, FL
Lindsey Duncan
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Jacksonville, FL 32244
My approaches are Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Existential Therapy, Gottman Method, Jungian Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy.
My passion in life is to help individuals transform their lives. I find success when I see others blossom toward personal growth and development. I enjoy working with a wide variety of populations centered around the provision of emotional growth, expressive arts, and recovery. I have worked with many populations with struggling with eating disorders, addiction, and dual diagnosis.
My approaches are Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Existential Therapy, Gottman Method, Jungian Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy.
My passion in life is to help individuals transform their lives. I find success when I see others blossom toward personal growth and development. I enjoy working with a wide variety of populations centered around the provision of emotional growth, expressive arts, and recovery. I have worked with many populations with struggling with eating disorders, addiction, and dual diagnosis.
(904) 675-3932 View (904) 675-3932
Photo of Jessie Huebner, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Jacksonville, FL
Jessie Huebner
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC, LPC, CEDS-C, EMDR, QS
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Jacksonville, FL 32258
My treatment approach includes the following proven methods: CBT, DBT, strengths-based therapy, EMDR, and motivational interviewing.
I started Restored Purpose Counseling with a passion, a dream, to inspire those hurting, broken, and struggling to identify their purpose and hope for the future. Have mental health, an eating disorder, trauma, or other life struggles hindered your ability to live your life to the fullest? I am an experienced clinician, licensed in the state of FL and NJ as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and have a heart to instill hope and restore purpose to your life. I have worked in all levels of care in both eating disorder and substance abuse centers in roles of therapist to clinical director.
My treatment approach includes the following proven methods: CBT, DBT, strengths-based therapy, EMDR, and motivational interviewing.
I started Restored Purpose Counseling with a passion, a dream, to inspire those hurting, broken, and struggling to identify their purpose and hope for the future. Have mental health, an eating disorder, trauma, or other life struggles hindered your ability to live your life to the fullest? I am an experienced clinician, licensed in the state of FL and NJ as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and have a heart to instill hope and restore purpose to your life. I have worked in all levels of care in both eating disorder and substance abuse centers in roles of therapist to clinical director.
(561) 425-9551 View (561) 425-9551
Photo of Christophan Simmons, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern in Jacksonville, FL
Christophan Simmons
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, MA
Verified Verified
Jacksonville, FL 32225
My counseling styles are reflective of cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused techniques.
I am Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern with more than 8 years experience helping individuals, families and teams find solutions to complex life problems. While serving in the Armed Forces, I gained invaluable experience in meeting individuals where they are and helping them reach their life goals, judgement free.
My counseling styles are reflective of cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused techniques.
I am Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern with more than 8 years experience helping individuals, families and teams find solutions to complex life problems. While serving in the Armed Forces, I gained invaluable experience in meeting individuals where they are and helping them reach their life goals, judgement free.
(904) 990-8105 View (904) 990-8105
Photo of Shon Brown, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Jacksonville, FL
Shon Brown
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Jacksonville, FL 32256
As an LCSW, I specialize in a person centered, strength based perspective, motivational interviewing to develop a treatment plan designed to meet your individual needs.
Are you feeling helpless, out of balance, not like yourself, afraid of life changes, living, or losing yourself, struggling at school, work, or with your purpose, experiencing nightmares and/or thoughts you are not normally having such as suicide? Please partner with us to live again, reduce anxiety, isolation, and face fears. We help individuals who are experiencing the following: considering marriage or divorce, life transitions, lost of interests, drained by military life, grief, need support to comfort for elderly parents, sexual abuse, trauma, DCF involvement, and/or struggling with school, work, finding purpose.
As an LCSW, I specialize in a person centered, strength based perspective, motivational interviewing to develop a treatment plan designed to meet your individual needs.
Are you feeling helpless, out of balance, not like yourself, afraid of life changes, living, or losing yourself, struggling at school, work, or with your purpose, experiencing nightmares and/or thoughts you are not normally having such as suicide? Please partner with us to live again, reduce anxiety, isolation, and face fears. We help individuals who are experiencing the following: considering marriage or divorce, life transitions, lost of interests, drained by military life, grief, need support to comfort for elderly parents, sexual abuse, trauma, DCF involvement, and/or struggling with school, work, finding purpose.
(904) 441-5156 View (904) 441-5156
Photo of Keith Mattson, Counselor in Jacksonville, FL
Keith Mattson
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Jacksonville, FL 32210
Hello, my name is Keith Mattson and I am a Licensed Mental Counselor in the state of Florida. I have provided therapy services in various settings for over 10 years. My specialties include life transitions and adjustment, trauma, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, substance use disorders, and PTSD. I utilize a mindfulness-based, solution focused, and person-centered approach, and incorporate several modalities including CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing, amongst others.
Hello, my name is Keith Mattson and I am a Licensed Mental Counselor in the state of Florida. I have provided therapy services in various settings for over 10 years. My specialties include life transitions and adjustment, trauma, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, substance use disorders, and PTSD. I utilize a mindfulness-based, solution focused, and person-centered approach, and incorporate several modalities including CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing, amongst others.
(904) 530-3171 View (904) 530-3171
Photo of Marsha Kerr, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Jacksonville, FL
Marsha Kerr
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Jacksonville, FL 32246
Hello! My name is Marsha and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience in providing mental health services to a diverse population group. I've worked with clients in areas such anxiety, coping skills, depression, life transitions, and stress, amongst others. While my focus will be on you and your needs, versus applying a particular philosophy, I have experience with several modalities including CBT, Motivational interviewing, and psychodynamic.
Hello! My name is Marsha and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience in providing mental health services to a diverse population group. I've worked with clients in areas such anxiety, coping skills, depression, life transitions, and stress, amongst others. While my focus will be on you and your needs, versus applying a particular philosophy, I have experience with several modalities including CBT, Motivational interviewing, and psychodynamic.
(305) 882-9747 View (305) 882-9747
Photo of Nancy Alonzo, Counselor in Jacksonville, FL
Nancy Alonzo
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Jacksonville, FL 32216
Nancy Alonzo is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of Florida. Nancy received her Bachelor’s Degree from Florida International University in 2013, and her Master in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University in 2016. Nancy utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness approaches to help her clients achieve their goals. Nancy believes that providing clients with a caring and safe space to explore their issues, where they feel supported, validated, and understood, is a catalyst for positive change.
Nancy Alonzo is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of Florida. Nancy received her Bachelor’s Degree from Florida International University in 2013, and her Master in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University in 2016. Nancy utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness approaches to help her clients achieve their goals. Nancy believes that providing clients with a caring and safe space to explore their issues, where they feel supported, validated, and understood, is a catalyst for positive change.
(904) 694-5524 View (904) 694-5524

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Motivational Interviewing Therapists

How does motivational interviewing work?

Motivational interviewing aims to uncover a person’s internal motivation to change their life. Toward this end, the therapist listens, empathizes, and collaborates with the client based on their perspective; the therapist doesn’t adhere to a predetermined plan for change or impose their viewpoint on the client. Discovering an individual’s most important reasons for change, and guiding them to achieve those changes, can empower people to shift from ambivalence to action.

Is motivational interviewing evidence-based?

Yes, research shows that motivational interviewing can help treat alcohol and substance use — and in different ways such as reducing drinking, reducing resistance, and increasing the likelihood of staying in treatment. Motivational interviewing has also been shown to help people lose weight, adhere to medication regimens, improve diet for those with Type II diabetes, and improve healthy behaviors in children.

How long does motivational interviewing last?

Motivational interviewing is a short-term therapy that can last just one or two sessions. In some cases, motivational interviewing may be used in conjunction with longer-term therapies, but for most people, motivational interviewing is a brief intervention that aims to help patients understand their personal, specific, and internal reasons for changing their life.

What differentiates motivational interviewing from person-centered therapy?

In person-centered therapy, the individual is in the driver’s seat of the treatment process, creating space for them to trust their instincts and arrive at their own solutions. The two approaches are similar because motivational interviewing is also client-centered; however, person-centered therapy is more open-ended while motivational interviewing is somewhat more structured; the goal is to change, and the therapist helps the client specifically discover their internal motivations to modify their behavior.