Core skills in motivational interviewing.

Westra, Henny A.; Aviram, Adi

doi:10.1037/a0032409

Cited by 43Substance Abuse Treatment and OutcomesPsychotherapy Techniques and ApplicationsBehavioral Health and Interventions

Core skills in motivational interviewing.

Westra, Henny A., Aviram, Adi·2013·Psychotherapy

DOI 10.1037/a0032409

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Abstract

Motivational interviewing (MI) is a client-centered, albeit directive, method for enhancing intrinsic motivation and strengthening commitment for change through exploring and resolving ambivalence. This article presents the core principles of MI and describes its underlying spirit, which consists of attitudes of collaboration, evocation, and respect for client autonomy. Key process markers indicating the use of MI, including ambivalence, resistance, and change talk, are described. A case example is used to illustrate the application of MI-specific core skills (i.e., rolling with resistance, expanding change talk, and developing discrepancy) in response to each of these process markers, and the theoretical basis for the demonstrated interventions is discussed.

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Authors: Westra, H. A., & Aviram, A.
Affiliations: York University (CA)
ORCID: Westra, Henny A.
Aviram, Adi
Venue: Psychotherapy
Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)
Published: 2013
Volume: 50
Issue: 3
Pages: 273-278
ISSN: 0033-3204 (ISSN-L)
1939-1536
DOI: 10.1037/a0032409
OpenAlex: W2320886663
Cited by: 43
References: 24
Citations by year: 2026: 3 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 4 · 2020: 4 · 2018: 1 · 2017: 5 · 2016: 5 · 2015: 2 · 2014: 2 · 2013: 1
FWCI: 2.43
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: Psychotherapy (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics: Health Sciences › Medicine › Epidemiology › Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes
Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications
Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Behavioral Health and Interventions
Keywords: motivational interviewing, core skills, client-centered therapy, intrinsic motivation, ambivalence, resistance, change talk, discrepancy, client autonomy, collaboration, evocation
MeSH terms: Adult, Anxiety Disorders, Cooperative Behavior, Decision Making, Defense Mechanisms, Empathy, Female, Humans, Mother-Child Relations, Person-Centered Psychotherapy, Psychotherapeutic Processes, Personal Autonomy, Directive Counseling, Motivational Interviewing

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