What is Motivational Interviewing?

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, goal-oriented style of communication designed to strengthen personal motivation for and commitment to a specific goal. It helps you, your teenager, or your child explore and resolve ambivalence about change, fostering intrinsic motivation to make positive life changes.

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Key Benefits of Motivational Interviewing

Client-Centred Approach

MI respects your autonomy and emphasises your perspectives and goals.

Enhances Motivation

Helps you find your own reasons and motivation for change.

Versatile

Effective for a wide range of behaviours including substance use, health behaviours, and lifestyle changes.

Empowering

Builds confidence in your ability to make changes and overcome obstacles.

How Motivational Interviewing Works

  1. Express Empathy

    Your therapist seeks to understand your perspective without judgment.

  2. Develop Discrepancy

    Explore the differences between your current behaviour and your goals or values.

  3. Roll with Resistance

    Rather than opposing resistance, your therapist works with it to explore new perspectives.

  4. Support Self-Efficacy

    Enhance your belief in your ability to succeed in making changes.

  5. New Emotional Experiences

    Create new, more positive emotional experiences in therapy.

Is Motivational Interviewing Right for You, Your Teenager, or Your Child?

MI might be a good fit if you, your teenager, or your child:

  • Are considering making a change but feel uncertain or ambivalent
  • Want to increase your motivation to make positive changes
  • Have struggled with making or maintaining changes in the past
  • Prefer a collaborative approach where you're in the driver's seat

Tailored Approaches for Different Age Groups

  • Adults: Focus on lifestyle changes, career goals, relationship improvements, and personal growth.
  • Teenagers: Address academic motivation, healthy habits, and positive decision-making skills.
  • Children: Use age-appropriate techniques to foster intrinsic motivation for positive behaviours, involving parents in the process.

Our therapists are skilled in adapting MI techniques to suit the unique needs of each age group, ensuring effective and engaging treatment for all.

Take the First Step Towards Positive Change

Don't let ambivalence or lack of motivation hold you, your teenager, or your child back. Our experienced therapists are here to guide individuals of all ages through the MI process, helping you find your own reasons and strength for change.

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Children

Empowering the youngest members of our community to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and confidence through compassionate and specialised psychological care tailored to their unique needs.

Teens

Supporting adolescents through the complex journey of self-discovery and personal growth, offering a safe space for them to explore their emotions, build coping skills, and thrive in today’s ever-changing world.

Adults

Providing comprehensive psychological services to adults, fostering healing, personal development, and well-being through evidence-based interventions and a supportive therapeutic environment tailored to individual goals and circumstances.

Bear In Mind Psychology Office

Why Choose Bear in Mind Psychology?

Holistic Approach

We offer non-judgmental, comprehensive care addressing cognitive development, behavioral challenges, and personal growth.

Qualified Team

Our AHPRA-endorsed psychologists bring advanced qualifications and extensive experience to support you and your family.

Tailored Strategies

Using evidence-based assessments and interventions, we create personalised plans to help you and your children thrive.

Convenient Sunshine Coast Location

Easily accessible support in the heart of our community