Motivational Enhancement Therapy

Both motivational interviewing (MI) and motivational enhancement therapy (MET) are counselling approaches that are based on principles of motivational psychology and are designed to produce rapid, internally motivated change.

These approaches do not attempt to guide the client stepwise through the recovery process but instead employ motivational strategies to evoke shifts that are client-directed. While motivational interviewing represents the broader therapeutic approach, motivational enhancement therapy includes some specific structured components that support the enhancement of motivation for change in substance-using clients. These components include:

An initial assessment, A provision of structured feedback from the initial assessment, A focus on future plans and goals, Eliciting motivation for change, Establishing an explicit change plan, and Monitoring progress

Motivational interviewing principles are used throughout the process to strengthen motivation and build a plan for change. As the sessions progress, the therapist monitors change, reviews cessation strategies being used, and continues to encourage commitment to change.

Video: Using Motivational Interviewing Approaches

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Please watch this demonstration of motivational interviewing to familiarize yourself with this therapeutic approach.

As you are watching the video, take some notes on the strategies and techniques that the therapist uses.

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If you are not already trained in motivational interviewing, this Applied Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy course is not sufficient to prepare you to apply motivational interviewing or motivational enhancement therapy in your practice. If you would like to begin learning more about motivational interviewing and motivational enhancement therapy, consider reading these key resources.

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The principles of motivational interviewing form the foundational approach used in motivational enhancement therapy. Learners in this course are strongly encouraged to participate in motivational interviewing training if they have not already.

Training in Motivational Interviewing is widely available online and in person.