Motivational interviewing is a counseling technique that helps individuals increase their motivation to change behaviours that are inherently difficult to change, such as addiction and the safety behaviours that maintain anxiety disorders. This approach recognizes that people begin therapy with differing levels of commitment to change. It recognizes, validates, and targets ambivalence about changing by gently increasing a person’s awareness of the problems and consequences of their behaviours. Motivation is increased to create a better future consistent with an individual’s values and goals.
