What is motivational interviewing aimed at enhancing?

Motivational interviewing is a client-centered counseling style designed specifically to enhance an individual's intrinsic motivation to change. This technique recognizes that many individuals may be ambivalent about change, and it seeks to help clients explore and resolve this ambivalence, ultimately promoting their own desire to make positive changes in their behavior and life.

By focusing on a client's motivation, motivational interviewing encourages them to articulate their reasons for wanting to change, which can lead to increased commitment and a stronger likelihood of implementing those changes effectively. It involves reflective listening and open-ended questioning, allowing clients to express their thoughts and feelings about their current situations and aspirations.

While other aspects like a client’s perception of therapy, social network, or financial stability may play a role in the overall therapeutic process, the primary aim of motivational interviewing directly targets the enhancement of the client’s motivation to change, making it a powerful tool in various therapeutic settings.