Ten Things that Motivational Interviewing Is Not

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

'I already do that' seems to be a common comment on initial exposure to MI.

““I already do that” seems to be a common comment on initial exposure to MI.”

May combine two claims.

An early study found that attending a 2-day workshop convinced clinicians that they had learned MI and did not need further training, whereas their practice samples showed insufficient change to make any difference for their clients.

“An early study found that attending a 2-day workshop convinced clinicians that they had learned MI and did not need further training, whereas their practice samples showed insufficient change to make any difference for their clients (Miller and Mount, 2001).”

• cites Miller and Mount, 2001Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

For these less successful clients, it probably would have been better to leave them at the relatively high level of commitment reached through Phase 1 MI rather than insisting they complete a behavior change plan for which they were not ready.

“For these clients, it probably would have been better to leave them at the relatively high level of commitment reached through Phase 1 MI rather than insisting that they complete a behavior change plan for which they were not ready.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The error in the manual was to prescribe a particular sequence of technique, rather than allowing the adaptability that is fundamental to good MI.

“The error in the manual was to prescribe a particular sequence of technique, rather than allowing the adaptability that is fundamental to good MI.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

Decisional balance is a technique and not MI, and if used routinely may even work against the principles and aims of MI.

“Our point is that decisional balance is a technique and not MI, and if used routinely may even work against the principles and aims of MI.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

MI should not be confused or equated with any of the specific techniques that may be used in service of the clinical method.

“MI should not be confused or equated with any of the specific techniques that may be used in service of the clinical method.”

May combine two claims.

TTM is intended to provide a comprehensive conceptual model of how and why changes occur, whereas MI is a specific clinical method to enhance personal motivation for change.

“TTM is intended to provide a comprehensive conceptual model of how and why changes occur, whereas MI is a specific clinical method to enhance personal motivation for change.”

• cites Prochaska and DiClemente, 1984Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The behavior change involved in MI is one that is in the individual's own interest, not the interests of another person, service, or organization.

“The behavior change involved is one that is in the individual’s own interest, not the interests of another person, service, or organization.”

• AssumptionThe authors state this as an assumption: People make their own behavioral choices, and such power of choice cannot be appropriated by another.

May combine two claims.

One clinical trial found virtually no effect of MI on drug use outcomes, and the therapists followed a highly structured MI manual.

“One clinical trial in which we found virtually no effect of MI on drug use outcomes (Miller, Yahne and Tonigan, 2003) was one in which the therapists followed a highly structured MI manual.”

• cites Miller, Yahne and Tonigan, 2003Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

The implicit underlying theory of MI is only now being explicated, and is not intended to be a comprehensive theory of change.

“The implicit underlying theory of MI is only now being explicated, and is not intended to be a comprehensive theory of change.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

MI is not a technique.

“3. MI is not a technique”

• Also stated in: § 3. MI is not a technique · plain

  “For better or worse, MI is considerably more complex than this.”

• Also stated in: § 3. MI is not a technique · plain

  “It is better understood as a clinical or communication method, a complex skill that is learned with considerable practice over time.”

• cites Rollnick et al., 2008Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

Particularly with people who evidence less initial motivation for change, structured assessment feedback can provide topics for discussion in MI and often uncovers potential reasons for change that had not been evident before.

“Particularly with people who evidence less initial motivation for change (“precontemplation” within the TTM), such feedback can provide topics for discussion in MI, and often uncovers potential reasons for change that had not been evident before.”

May combine two claims.

MI represented a clinical method, and later a growing body of empirical findings, in need of theoretical explanation.

“Rather it represented a clinical method, and later a growing body of empirical findings, in need of theoretical explanation.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

In the second edition of Motivational Interviewing, the authors intentionally removed all reference to TTM in the front (authored) half of the book.

“In the second edition of Motivational Ten things that motivational interviewing is not 131 Interviewing, we intentionally removed all reference to TTM in the front (authored) half of the book, precisely because of the extent to which the two were being confused (Miller and Rollnick, 2002).”

• cites Miller and Rollnick, 2002Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

Adherence to the spirit of MI is reliably measurable and predicts treatment outcome.

“Adherence to the spirit of MI is reliably measurable, and predicts treatment outcome (Gaume, Gmel and Daeppen, 2008; Mads´ on and Campbell, 2006; Miller and Mount, 2001; Moyers, Martin, Catley, Harris and Ahluwalia, 2003; Moyers, Martin, Houck, Christopher and Tonigan, in press).”

• cites Gaume, Gmel and Daeppen, 2008Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites Mads´ on and Campbell, 2006Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites Miller and Mount, 2001Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

MI is not about installing anything, but rather is about eliciting from people that which is already there.

“It is not about installing anything, but rather is about eliciting from people that which is already there.”

May combine two claims.

In that trial, for about two-thirds of the sample, language reflecting commitment to change strengthened over the session, and these clients as a group abstained almost completely from drug use over one year of follow-up.

“For about two-thirds of the sample, this was fine. Language reflecting commitment to change strengthened over the course of the session, and these clients as a group abstained almost completely from drug use over the course of one year of follow-up.”

• cites Amrhein et al., 2003Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

MI arose as Norwegian colleagues evoked from Miller tacit decision rules he had been using intuitively in clinical practice, implicit principles of which he had not been aware, and that did not correspond particularly well with the cognitive-behavioral approaches he was teaching at the time.

“Instead it arose as Norwegian colleagues evoked from Miller some tacit decision rules that he had been using intuitively in clinical practice, implicit principles of which he had not been aware, and that did not correspond particularly well with the cognitive-behavioral approaches he was teaching at the time (Moyers, 2004).”

• cites Moyers, 2004Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

Collecting importance and confidence ratings does not constitute MI, nor is it a necessary component of MI.

“Collecting such ratings, however, does not constitute MI, nor is it a necessary component of MI.”

• cites Rollnick et al., 2008Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

MI is a guiding style for enhancing intrinsic motivation to change.

“It is a guiding style for enhancing intrinsic motivation to change (Rollnick et al., 2008).”

• cites Rollnick et al., 2008Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

MI begins with the assumption and honoring of personal autonomy: that people make their own behavioral choices, and that such power of choice cannot be appropriated by another.

“Quite to the contrary, MI begins with the assumption and honoring of personal autonomy: that people make their own behavioral choices, and that such power of choice cannot be appropriated by another.”

• cites Frankl, 1963Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• AssumptionThe authors state this as an assumption: People make their own behavioral choices, and such power of choice cannot be appropriated by another.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Within this perspective, it makes little sense to intentionally elicit and give equal air time and attention to the counter-change arguments.

“Within this perspective, it makes little sense to intentionally elicit and give equal air time and attention to the counter-change arguments.”

May combine two claims.

Although Miller made post-hoc linkages to certain social psychological theories such as cognitive dissonance, reactance, and self-perception theory, MI was not the product of rational deduction from such theories.

“Although he made some post-hoc linkages to certain social psychological theories such as cognitive dissonance, reactance, and self-perception theory (Miller, 1983), MI was not the product of rational deduction from such theories.”

• cites Miller, 1983Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

MI is a particular tool for addressing a specific problem: when a person may need to make a behavior or lifestyle change and is reluctant or ambivalent about doing so.

“It is a particular tool for addressing a specific problem: when a person may need to make a behavior or lifestyle change and is reluctant or ambivalent about doing so.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: MI was never meant to be a 'school' of psychotherapy or a comprehensive approach to treatment.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

As a result of Amrhein's psycholinguistic analyses, the authors have changed the way they conceptualize change talk, and differentiate sustain talk from resistance.

“As a result of Amrhein’s psycholinguistic analyses, we have changed the way in which we conceptualize change talk, and differentiate its opposite – sustain talk – from resistance.”

• cites Amrhein et al., 2003Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Learning MI involves retaining clarity of purpose and calmness in the face of often irrational and seemingly contrary motives, and using thoughtful reflective listening statements to facilitate change.

“Learning MI involves retaining clarity of purpose and calmness in the face of often irrational and seemingly contrary motives, and using thoughtful reflective listening statements to facilitate change.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

MI is a refined form of the naturally-occurring communication style of guiding when helping someone to solve a problem.

“We have described MI as being a refined form of the naturally-occurring communication style of guiding when helping someone to solve a problem (Rollnick et al., 2008).”

• cites Rollnick et al., 2008Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

From the beginning, the authors have intentionally avoided trademarking, copyrighting, licensing, restricting, or policing the use of MI.

“From the beginning, we have intentionally avoided trademarking, copyrighting licensing, restricting, or policing the use of MI.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Guiding involves a flexible blend of informing, asking and listening, and skillful clinicians do this in practice, as do good parents and teachers.

“Guiding involves a flexible blend of informing, asking and listening, and skillful clinicians do this in practice, as do good parents and teachers.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The ways in which the authors think about and describe MI have changed in response to clinical experience and emerging research.

“In response to both clinical experience and emerging research, the ways in which we think about and describe MI have changed.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

MI explicitly honors autonomy, people's right and irrevocable ability to decide about their own behavior.

“MI explicitly honors autonomy, people’s right and irrevocable ability to decide about their own behavior.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

MI resembles a familiar approach to helping, but in a refined manner that uses reflective listening in guiding the person to resolve ambivalence about behavior change.

“As such, MI resembles a familiar approach to helping, but in a refined manner that uses reflective listening in guiding the person to resolve ambivalence about behavior change.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

MI involves quite a complex set of skills that are used flexibly, responding to moment-to-moment changes in what the client says.

“In actual practice, MI involves quite a complex set of skills that are used flexibly, responding to moment-to-moment changes in what the client says.”

May combine two claims.

Differential reinforcement of particular forms of client speech was anathema to Carl Rogers, although his student Truax (1966) published findings suggesting that this is precisely what Rogers was doing in his own counseling.

“Such differential reinforcement of particular forms of client speech was anathema to Carl Rogers, although his student Truax (1966) published findings suggesting that this is precisely what Rogers was doing in his own counseling.”

• cites Truax (1966)Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

The variability of outcomes across trials, sites, and therapists argues for being clear about exactly what does and does not constitute this treatment method.

“The variability of outcomes across trials, sites, and therapists argues all themorefor beingclear about exactlywhat does anddoes not constitutethis treatment method.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: MI is a particular treatment method with a rather encouraging base of evidence for efficacy.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

MI is not a trick or a technique that is easily learned and mastered.

“MI is not a trick or a technique that is easily learned and mastered.”

May combine two claims.

Over the course of an MI session, the counselor seeks to increase the client's strength of expressed motivation for a target behavior change, and to diminish defenses of the status quo.

“Over the course of an MI session, the counselor seeks to increase the client’s strength of expressed motivation for a target behavior change, and to diminish defenses of the status quo.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

MI offers a clear rationale and guidelines regarding forms of speech that lead to behavior change, and how to evoke and strengthen such client language.

“MI offers a clear rationale and guidelines regarding forms of speech that lead to behavior change, and how to evoke and strengthen such client language.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Some clinicians do seem to 'recognize' MI when they first encounter it, which suggests some common elements with their intuitive practice.

“Nevertheless, some clinicians do seem to “recognize” MI when they first encounter it, which suggests some common elements with their intuitive practice.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

MI is a living, evolving method.

“To be sure, motivational interviewing is a living, evolving method.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Rapid diffusion incurs the risk of a method becoming diffuse.

“Rapid diffusion incurs the risk of a method becoming diffuse.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

There has been no inherent quality control or accountability in the practice and training of MI.

“There has been no inherent quality control or accountability in the practice and training of MI.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

All of this can create public and professional confusion regarding a clinical method.

“All of this can create public and professional confusion regarding a clinical method.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Relative to early explications, the authors now give greater emphasis to the underlying spirit of MI.

“Relative to our early explications, for example, we now give greater emphasis to the underlying spirit of MI.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

Going to an initial 2-day training can provide a certain head start, but real skill and comfort grow through disciplined practice with feedback and coaching from a knowledgeable guide.

“Going to an initial 2-day training can provide a certain head start, but real skill and comfort grow through disciplined practice with feedback and coaching from a knowledgeable guide.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

The method is now so widely used that it is beyond anyone's ownership.

“The method is now so widely used that it is beyond anyone’s ownership.”