When I asked: Would you summarize the therapeutic models called “motivational interviewing”.
Please emphasize using the model for conversation rather than therapy
ChatGPT responded
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a conversational approach designed to help individuals resolve ambivalence and strengthen their motivation for change. Originally developed for therapeutic settings, it has gained traction as an effective communication technique in broader contexts, such as coaching, leadership, and even everyday conversations.
Key Aspects of Motivational Interviewing:
- Collaborative Conversation: MI is based on a partnership approach, meaning the person guiding the conversation works with rather than on the other person. It emphasizes equality and respect, focusing on understanding the individual’s perspective.
- Non-Judgmental and Empathetic: Central to MI is the use of empathy and a non-judgmental stance. This involves active listening, reflecting back thoughts and feelings, and validating the person’s experiences.
- Eliciting Rather Than Imposing: Instead of trying to persuade or advise, MI aims to draw out the other person’s own motivations, desires, and reasons for change. It leverages open-ended questions and reflective statements to explore the person’s ideas and values.
- Highlighting Discrepancies: MI helps people recognize inconsistencies between their current behaviors and broader goals or values, gently encouraging them to consider change without creating resistance.
How to Use Motivational Interviewing in Non-Therapeutic Conversations:
- Ask, Listen, and Reflect: Begin by asking open-ended questions (e.g., “What’s important to you about making this decision?”), listen actively, and then reflect back what you hear (“It sounds like you’re feeling uncertain because…”).
- Support Autonomy: Reinforce the person’s right to make their own choices, using phrases like “It’s really up to you how you want to move forward.”
- Avoid the “Righting Reflex”: In everyday conversations, it’s tempting to jump in with solutions. MI discourages this in favor of eliciting the other person’s thoughts and solutions.
- Emphasize Positive Changes: When you notice even small signs of willingness to change or steps forward, affirm and reinforce them.
This makes Motivational Interviewing a flexible and practical approach for conversations aimed at building understanding, inspiring change, or simply supporting someone through a period of indecision.
that’s pretty dam good. I had a very restless night
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