Motivational Interviewing

Finding Your Motivation, Building Your Change

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, client-centered approach designed to help you explore and resolve ambivalence about change.

MI meets you where you are, helping you uncover your own motivations, clarify your goals, and strengthen your commitment to meaningful growth.

At Roots to Ground Counseling, MI is integrated into a whole-person approach, supporting clients as they navigate life transitions, health behavior changes, or any situation where taking action feels challenging. MI empowers you to build change that is authentic, sustainable, and aligned with your values.

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How Does Motivational Interviewing Work?

1. Building Connection and Trust

Your therapist creates a safe, nonjudgmental space to talk openly about your goals, challenges, and ambivalence. Trust and collaboration are the foundation of effective change.

2. Exploring Ambivalence

We help you examine the pros and cons of change, your fears, and motivations, acknowledging where resistance may exist without pressure or judgment.

3. Evoking Your Motivation

Through guided reflection, your therapist helps you identify your personal reasons for change and connects them to your values, priorities, and long-term goals.

4. Planning & Committing to Action

Together, you develop small, achievable steps to move toward your goals. MI emphasizes self-directed change, reinforcing your autonomy while offering support and accountability.

A Grounded, Personalized Approach

At Roots to Ground, Motivational Interviewing is never a “one-size-fits-all” approach.

Our clinicians integrate MI with other therapeutic tools in their toolbox, including mindfulness, CBT, and strengths-based approaches, to meet your unique needs.

Sessions are collaborative, paced to your comfort, and rooted in understanding your whole self. We believe meaningful change happens when you feel supported, heard, and empowered to move forward at your own pace.

Whether you’re working on mental health, substance use, behavior change, or life transitions, MI helps you connect with your own motivation and build a path toward the outcomes that matter most to you.

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Motivational Interviewing
Frequently Asked Questions

What does Motivational Interviewing help with?

MI is effective for behavior change, substance use, health habits, anxiety, depression, and life transitions, particularly when clients feel uncertain or ambivalent about change.

Do I need to be ready for change to try MI?

No. MI is designed for people at all stages of readiness. It helps you clarify your goals and explore what matters most before taking action.

Is Motivational Interviewing confrontational?

No. MI is collaborative and empathetic. It’s about exploring your goals and motivations, not telling you what to do.

Will I be given homework?

Sometimes. You may be asked to try small, achievable steps between sessions, but these are always collaborative and tailored to your comfort level.

How long does MI take?

The length varies depending on your goals. Some clients notice progress within a few sessions, while others benefit from ongoing support.

How is MI different from other therapies?

MI focuses specifically on motivation and change in a supportive, nonjudgmental way. It complements other approaches, helping you act on your goals rather than just understanding challenges.