What is the primary goal of motivational interviewing?

The primary goal of motivational interviewing is to enhance an individual’s motivation to change their behavior. This approach is client-centered and focuses on helping individuals explore and resolve any ambivalence they may have regarding their substance use or behaviors. By fostering an open dialogue, motivational interviewing allows clients to articulate their reasons for wanting to change, which can be more powerful than externally imposed goals.

This method is particularly valuable in addiction treatment as it respects the client's autonomy and emphasizes their capacity for self-directed change. In contrast to simply assessing treatment compliance, which measures adherence to a given plan, or evaluating risk factors for addiction, which identifies potential issues without promoting change, motivational interviewing actively engages individuals in the change process. It also plays a role in building therapeutic relationships, but the core focus remains on motivating the individual towards personal change, making that the most accurate answer.