Motivational Interviewing
What this specialty means
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, person-centered conversational approach used in counseling, coaching, and health settings to strengthen a person’s own motivation and commitment to change. Practitioners use empathy, reflection, and strategic questions to explore ambivalence—feeling torn between staying the same and trying something new. Rather than lecturing or persuading, MI invites people to voice their own reasons for change and honors personal autonomy. It can stand alone for focused behavior change or be integrated into psychotherapy, care management, or medical visits, while not replacing medical evaluation or emergency care.
Why people seek support
People may seek support with MI when they feel stuck between what they value and what they actually do. Common situations include mixed feelings about alcohol or substance use, tobacco, eating or movement habits, sleep routines, digital or gambling behaviors, medication adherence, or pain and chronic illness self-management. Others may want help getting started with therapy, returning to school, changing jobs, setting boundaries, or following through on personal goals after setbacks. MI offers a respectful space to consider options, reduce pressure, and choose whether, when, and how to proceed.
Typical goals
Typical collaborative goals may include clarifying personal values and hopes, increasing readiness for change, and strengthening confidence in one’s ability to act. A professional may help elicit “change talk,” map discrepancies between values and current patterns, and co-create realistic, stepwise plans if the person chooses to change. Sessions might focus on identifying supports, anticipating obstacles and high-risk situations, and developing strategies for maintaining progress or coping with lapses. People may also decide to pause, refine goals, or seek additional psychotherapy, coaching, peer, or medical support as needed.
Trifecta Health educational information. For educational purposes only—not a diagnosis or a substitute for professional medical advice.
Find a specialty provider
Tiffany Silva
LCSW
Welcome - I'm glad you're here! Thank you for considering me for your counseling needs...
Catherine Geyer
LAPC
Hello! I'm Catherine, and I'm so glad you are here...
Takita Pruitt
LMSW
Hello, I'm Takita, a therapist with a passionate commitment to helping children and families meet their goals and achieve healing. Grounded in a comprehensive understanding of trauma-informed care and equipped with the latest therapeutic techniques, I am dedicated to providing a supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences and work towards positive change...
Dusty Shandy
LPC
I am a licensed professional counselor in Georgia with 10+ years of experience working with a variety of clients. I have additional experience in school-based/family counseling, case management for foster children, parental education, resource allocation for vocational rehabilitation, and education and career counseling...
Adam Raulerson
LMFT, CCTP
Thank you for considering me for your counseling needs. I am licensed in Georgia as a marriage and family therapist and have over 20 years of experience. My career has included work in hospice, in-home intensive family therapy, community-based mental health, and inpatient acute stabilization. Personal life experience, along with professional education and training, has helped me develop the skills to support others on their journey. I am especially interested in working with couples and families who have a child with special needs...