Motivational Interviewing: Mastering the Basics with Dr. Wiplove Lamba and Jean-Paul Michael
In MI it's a bit different than traditional medicine, where it's more of a partnership. As opposed to sometimes putting pressure on people that need to do things.
Ever wondered how therapists help people find the motivation to change their lives? In this episode of 'Captain Hooked: The Addiction Project', addiction psychiatrist Dr. Wiplove Lamba and case manager Jean-Paul Michael break down the essentials of Motivational Interviewing (MI). This therapeutic technique is becoming a go-to in addiction treatment, and for good reason. Dr. Lamba and JP explain that MI isn't about pressuring someone into change; it's about fostering a partnership where empathy, acceptance, and compassion take center stage.
They dive into the core skills therapists use, like asking open-ended questions, offering affirmations, reflecting back what they've heard, and summarizing conversations to help clients see their own progress. The goal? Encouraging 'change talk'—where clients voice their own reasons for wanting to change—over 'sustain talk', which focuses on staying the same. But remember, while you can learn a lot from books and lectures, MI truly comes to life in practice.
For those eager to dive deeper, motivationalinterviewing.org offers a treasure trove of resources. Whether you're a healthcare provider or someone curious about how therapy works, this episode is packed with insights that could change the way you think about motivation and change.