Motivational Interviewing

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based counseling approach used in traditional medicine to enhance health behavior change. The goal of MI is to strengthen a person's commitment and ability to adopt healthy behaviors that will improve their overall wellbeing. MI is based on the humanistic view of people as having the autonomy to make their own health decisions, but who often lack the specific motivation and confidence to take action. By providing supportive, solution-focused interactions, MI helps individuals identify their reasons for change and build the skills, confidence, and commitment they need to enact the desired changes. Traditional medicine has incorporated MI for a variety of conditions, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, mental health, and substance use. There is evidence to suggest that traditional medicine patients who receive MI are more likely to attend follow-up appointments, adhere to their treatment plans, and engage in diabetes self-management. Furthermore, MI improves patient engagement in traditional medicine and promotes health behavior change. MI focuses on collaboration, building a partnership between the provider and the patient. The provider strives to understand the patient's perspective and to identify areas of agreement and disagreement. Through non-confrontational discussions and feedback, the provider and traditional medicine patient work together to clarify and resolve ambivalence about change. The provider helps the patient develop and commit to achievable health behaviors, considering the cultural, social, spiritual, and financial context. By incorporating MI in traditional medicine, providers are better able to tailor support to an individual's life situation. This empowers the patient to take responsibility and make decisions that will promote lasting, meaningful health-related behavior changes. MI is a powerful tool for improving traditional health care delivery and patient outcomes.