Nancy
blogged last month about my use of motivational interviewing (MI) in my
counseling practice. MI is so helpful that I want to talk more about how
I use it my counseling.
MI
challenges me to work to understand my patient’s motivation for change-- what
is important and relevant to him or her. Another valuable aspect of MI is the
assumption that the patient and the nutritionist are both experts. In
this “dual expertise,” I know I know how to help the patient but I keep in mind
that the patient knows what he or she can do and what is important. MI
encourages me to remain collaborative rather than confrontational and to
maintain an atmosphere of respect.
How I talk to the patient strongly influences the
patient’s motivation to change. MI advises the counselor to resist the
urge to correct the patient or to tell the patient what her or she needs or
tell the patient he or she is wrong. This kind of confrontation can lead to
resistance and relapse. Research suggests that creating a partnership with
the patient offers the patient a sense of “hope”, which is an important part of
successful recovery. Here are some questions that I use in my counseling
that may help parents and concerned friends have more productive interactions
with a loved one with an eating disorder:
"If you had a day without your eating disorder,
what would you do with it?"
"What are three things you want your
grandchildren to remember about you?"
"How does your eating disorder fit into the
rest of your life?"
Another helpful aspect of MI is that it is
affirming. I may actually thank the patient for coming for his or her session.
Here are examples of other MI-flavored affirmations that I have used with my
patients:
Emphasize the person’s strength:“You are intelligent.”
Compliment on a positive behavior:“I appreciate your candor.”
Show support:“I
hope things go well with you for you this weekend.”
Reinforce past successes:“You were able to stop bingeing for three months last summer.”
Marcia Marcia Herrin and Nancy Matsumoto, co-authors The Parent’s Guide to Eating Disorders,
Gūrze Books, (www.childhoodeatingdisorders.com).
yes,MI is so helpful.i also like use motivational interviewing.if there are another one have interesting in it,you can also have a try.:):)
Posted by: aika gold | July 23, 2010 at 07:12 PM
From here i know much than i worked,thank you for your articles,i will continue to read it,thank you very much.
Posted by: ffxiv gil | August 24, 2010 at 07:45 PM