What is the definition of Motivational Interviewing?

Motivational Interviewing is defined as a collaborative conversation style designed to enhance a person's intrinsic motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence. This approach is rooted in understanding and empathy and aims to empower individuals to articulate their desires, reasons, and need for change in a safe and supportive environment.

By fostering a respectful dialogue, Motivational Interviewing helps individuals identify their own motivations for change, which can lead to more sustainable outcomes. It emphasizes partnership between the interviewer and the individual, rather than imposing solutions or directives, making it effective in various settings, including probation and rehabilitation.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the essence of Motivational Interviewing. Techniques based on aggressive questioning or enforcing rules may create resistance rather than support motivation. Similarly, while it might have application in therapy settings, it is not limited to group therapy and is most effective in one-on-one situations where personal motivation is paramount.