Motivaatiotyöskentely

Motivaatiotyöskentely, sometimes translated as motivational interviewing, is a collaborative and goal-oriented style of communication with particular attention to the language of change. It is designed to strengthen personal motivation for and commitment to a specific goal by exploring and resolving ambivalence. The approach is client-centered, meaning the focus is on the individual's own reasons and values for making a change.

Developed by psychologists William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick, motivaatiotyöskentely is often used in therapeutic and counseling settings to help individuals address a wide range of behaviors, such as addiction, unhealthy lifestyle choices, or resistance to treatment. It is not a technique but rather a way of interacting with people. Key principles include expressing empathy, developing discrepancy, rolling with resistance, and supporting self-efficacy. The practitioner aims to elicit the client's own intrinsic motivation for change rather than imposing external pressure or directives.

The process involves asking open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries to encourage the client to articulate their own desires, abilities, reasons, and need for change. The practitioner acts as a guide, helping the client explore their ambivalence and move towards a decision and commitment to action. Motivaatiotyöskentely is a guiding style, not an authoritative one, and respects the client's autonomy and right to self-determination. Its effectiveness has been demonstrated in numerous studies across various populations and problems.