Motivational Interviewing as a Prelude to Coaching in Healthcare Settings

Motivational interviewing is a unique counseling technique that was developed to help individuals give up addictive behaviors and learn new behavioral skills. This counseling technique relies on using communication skills to understand an individual's motivation for change. Motivational interviewing uses techniques such as open-ended questions, reflective listening, affirmation, and summarization to help individuals express their concerns about change. For those willing to change, motivational interviewing provides an opportunity for coaching including helping individuals set goals and arrive at a change plan. A 3-step approach to coaching may simplify the process of change and offer techniques for healthcare professionals to better equip them facilitate the change process.