Motivational Interviewing

What is motivational interviewing?

Motivational interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, person-centred conversational method that helps people find and strengthen their own motivation to change. Rather than persuading or pressuring, the practitioner helps the person explore and resolve their own ambivalence, so the motivation to change comes from within. It was developed by psychologists William Miller and Stephen Rollnick.

Though it originated in a counselling context, its principles are widely drawn on in coaching, especially life coaching and change-focused work.

Why it matters

People rarely change because they are told to; they change when they connect with their own reasons. Motivational interviewing works with that reality, which makes it powerful for supporting change in habits, behaviour, and goals. It also models a respectful, non-directive stance that sits comfortably alongside good coaching.

Core principles

Express empathy. Understand the person’s perspective without judgement.
Develop discrepancy. Help them see the gap between where they are and what they want.
Roll with resistance. Avoid arguing; work with reluctance rather than against it.
Support self-efficacy. Strengthen belief that change is possible, linked to self-efficacy.

Motivation that comes from within

Lasting change is driven by the person’s own motivation. Coachello’s coaches use person-centred approaches to help people find their reasons to change and act on them.

Support change that people own. Book a demo.

FAQs

Who developed motivational interviewing?

Psychologists William Miller and Stephen Rollnick. It originated in supporting behaviour change and has since been applied widely, including in coaching.

Is motivational interviewing the same as coaching?

Not exactly, but they share a person-centred, non-directive spirit. Coaches often draw on motivational interviewing principles, especially when supporting change.

What is motivational interviewing used for?

Helping people find their own motivation to change habits, behaviours, or goals, by exploring and resolving their ambivalence rather than pressuring them.