A motivational interviewing perspective on resistance in psychotherapy
Abstract
This article applies the motivational interviewing approach to resistance, which is conceptualized as the product of an interaction between the therapist and client rather than a static client characteristic. The underlying principles of motivational interviewing also are discussed, as are the overall therapeutic goals when using this approach. Sources of the resistance between the therapist and client are reviewed, as well as specific recommendations for responding. The motivational interviewing approach to resistance is applied to each of the three case vignettes.
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Therapist responses strongly influence whether client resistance is amplified or diminished.
“therapist responses are highly influential in amplifying or diminishing the level of client resistance (Miller et al., 1993; Moyers & Rollnick, 2002).”
From Comparing the predictive capacity of observed in-session resistance to self-reported motivation in cognitive behavioral therapy (2011) · cites this paper as Moyers & Rollnick, 2002
Resistance to therapist direction is conceptualized as a behavioral expression of ambivalence about change or treatment, signaling that the therapist is pushing for changes the client is not ready for.
“In this context, resistance to therapist direction is conceptualized as a behavioral expression of ambivalence about change or treatment; it represents a signal that the therapist is pushing the client to make changes or move in directions for which they are not yet ready (Miller & Rollnick, 2002; Moyers & Rollnick, 2002).”
From Comparing the predictive capacity of observed in-session resistance to self-reported motivation in cognitive behavioral therapy (2011) · cites this paper as Moyers & Rollnick, 2002
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References 12 · Cited by 119
- Authors
- Moyers, T. B., & Rollnick, S.
- Affiliations
- University of New Mexico (US)
- University of Wales (GB)
- Corresponding author
- Moyers, Theresa B.
- Venue
- Journal of Clinical Psychology
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 2002-01-08
- Volume
- 58
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 185-193
- ISSN
- 0021-9762 (ISSN-L)
- 1097-4679
- OpenAlex
- W2163907866
- Cited by
- 119
- References
- 12
- Citations by year
- 2025: 5 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 3 · 2021: 7 · 2020: 9 · 2019: 4 · 2018: 3 · 2017: 6 · 2016: 7 · 2015: 7 · 2014: 6 · 2013: 11 · 2012: 4
- FWCI
- 5.76
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Clinical Psychology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Counseling Practices and Supervision
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Counseling, Therapy, and Family Dynamics
- Keywords
- motivational interviewing, resistance in psychotherapy, therapist-client interaction, treatment goals, client resistance, case vignettes
- MeSH terms
- Adult, Defense Mechanisms, Empathy, Female, Humans, Interview, Psychological, Male, Motivation, Professional-Patient Relations, Psychotherapeutic Processes, Treatment Refusal
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