Motivational interviewing is a counseling technique that helps individuals identify their own reasons for change and motivates them to take action. It involves asking open-ended questions, listening empathetically, and guiding clients towards solutions. By using this approach, counselors can help individuals tap into their intrinsic motivation and make positive changes in their lives.

Here are 17 motivational interviewing questions and skills that can help counselors effectively engage with clients and facilitate change:

1. Open-ended questions: Instead of asking yes or no questions, use open-ended questions to encourage clients to share more about their thoughts and feelings.
2. Affirmations: Acknowledge the client’s strengths and accomplishments to build their confidence and self-esteem.
3. Reflective listening: Paraphrase and reflect back what the client has said to show that you are actively listening and understanding their perspective.
4. Summarizing: Summarize key points from the conversation to help clients gain insights and clarity.
5. Eliciting change talk: Encourage clients to talk about their desires, reasons for change, and motivations.
6. Developing discrepancy: Help clients see the gap between where they are currently and where they want to be to increase motivation for change.
7. Rolling with resistance: Instead of confronting resistance, acknowledge and explore the client’s ambivalence towards change.
8. Supporting self-efficacy: Help clients build confidence in their ability to make positive changes by highlighting past successes and strengths.
9. Exploring values and goals: Identify and explore the client’s values and goals to help them align their actions with what is important to them.
10. Building rapport: Establish a positive and trusting relationship with the client to create a safe space for change.
11. Using affirming statements: Provide positive feedback and encouragement to motivate clients to continue making progress.
12. Normalizing challenges: Validate that it is normal to face obstacles and setbacks in the change process.
13. Setting goals: Collaborate with clients to set specific, achievable, and measurable goals that align with their values and motivations.
14. Exploring ambivalence: Help clients identify and explore their conflicting feelings about change to facilitate the decision-making process.
15. Exploring readiness to change: Assess the client’s motivation and willingness to make changes and tailor interventions accordingly.
16. Emphasizing autonomy: Support clients in making their own decisions and taking ownership of their change process.
17. Celebrating success: Acknowledge and celebrate even small achievements to build momentum and reinforce positive change.

Incorporating these motivational interviewing questions and skills into counseling sessions can help clients explore their motivations, overcome barriers, and make meaningful changes in their lives. By empowering clients to tap into their own intrinsic motivation and strengths, counselors can support them in achieving their goals and building a healthier, more fulfilling life.