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Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a client-centred, goal-oriented approach that helps people strengthen their motivation for change. It is especially useful when you feel stuck, unsure, or pulled in two directions—wanting change, but also feeling hesitant, overwhelmed, or unconvinced.
MI is collaborative rather than directive. Your therapist acts as a guide, helping you clarify what matters to you, explore barriers without judgment, and build a plan that fits your real life.
MI can support change across many concerns, including:
MI prioritizes a safe, non-judgmental space where you feel understood. Reflective listening is used to reduce shame and increase clarity.
MI helps you notice the gap between current patterns and what you value or want long-term—without pressure or confrontation.
Hesitation is treated as normal. Instead of arguing or pushing, MI explores what is driving uncertainty and what would make change feel safer or more realistic.
MI highlights strengths, past successes, and existing coping strategies to build confidence and momentum.
Motivational Interviewing is grounded in:
Building trust and understanding your goals, stressors, and context.
Clarifying what you want to work on now so sessions stay practical and relevant.
Exploring motivation and ambivalence through guided questions and reflections—what change would give you, what it would cost, and what matters most.
When you feel ready, turning insight into a realistic plan: small steps, barriers, supports, and accountability.
Questions that help you explore what you want and why it matters.
Summarizing and reflecting to clarify your thoughts and strengthen commitment.
Identifying strengths and effort to support confidence and follow-through.
Tracking your own statements about desire, reasons, ability, and commitment to change, then building on them.
At The Cohen Clinic, Motivational Interviewing is offered in a respectful, structured way that supports clarity, motivation, and practical next steps. If you are seeking MI therapy in Toronto, our psychologists, psychotherapists, and social workers can help you explore what’s keeping you stuck and move forward at a pace that fits.