Article by Anna Keyter / Photo by RDNE Stock project

Today we’re going to talk about online motivational interviewing. So what is it? Started by William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick, Motivational interviewing (MI) is a client-centred counselling approach designed to ignite personal motivation for positive change.

At Best Online Therapy UK, our chartered psychologists, Anna Keyter and Sara Taveira, deliver motivational interviewing online, providing a flexible and accessible way to tackle challenges like anxiety, addiction, or lifestyle changes. This article examines the functioning of online motivational interviewing, its benefits, and why it’s a transformative option for mental health support in the UK.

What is Motivational Interviewing?

Motivational interviewing is a collaborative therapy technique that helps individuals explore and resolve ambivalence about change. MI was inspired by humanitic psychotherapies. Unlike traditional counselling, MI empowers clients to discover their own reasons for transformation, guided by a skilled therapist. Key principles include:

• Expressing Empathy: Counsellors listen actively to understand your perspective.
• Developing Discrepancy: Highlighting the gap between current behaviours and desired goals.
• Rolling with Resistance: Addressing hesitation without confrontation.
• Supporting Self-Efficacy: Building confidence in your ability to change.

For a broader understanding of therapy approaches, read our article on integrative psychotherapy.

How Does Online Motivational Interviewing Work?

Psychologists, using online motivational interviewing, bring this effective approach to your screen through secure video, phone, or chat sessions. At Best Online Therapy UK, our counsellors use platforms compliant with UK data protection standards to ensure privacy. Here’s how it works:

1. Initial Consultation: You discuss your goals with a counsellor, such as Anna Keyter, a chartered psychologist, who assesses your readiness for change.
2. Personalised Sessions: Through video or phone, your counsellor employs MI techniques to explore your motivations, addressing issues like anxiety or relationship challenges.
3. Flexible Scheduling: Online delivery allows sessions from anywhere in the UK, fitting your busy lifestyle.
4. Ongoing Support: Regular check-ins help sustain progress, with tools like goal-setting worksheets provided digitally.

Learn more about online delivery in our online integrative counselling guide.

Benefits of Online Motivational Interviewing

Online MI offers distinct advantages for UK clients seeking mental health support:

• Accessibility: Access expert counsellors from home, ideal for those in remote areas or with mobility issues.
• Comfort: Engage in therapy from a familiar environment, reducing stress.
• Flexibility: Schedule sessions around work or family commitments.
• Effectiveness: Research indicates online MI is as effective as in-person sessions for issues like addiction or depression (source: British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2023).

For related support, see our post on online grief counselling for coping with loss.

Who Can Benefit from Online Motivational Interviewing?

Online motivational interviewing is suitable for various challenges, including:

• Anxiety and Depression: Build motivation to adopt coping strategies.
• Addiction: Support for overcoming substance use or behavioural addictions.
• Lifestyle Changes: Encourage healthier habits, such as exercise or diet.
• Relationship Issues: Resolve conflicts with guidance from experts like Sara Taveira.

Curious about other therapy types? Check our online couples counselling guide.

Why Choose Best Online Therapy UK?

At Best Online Therapy UK, our counsellors are trained in motivational interviewing, ensuring personalised, evidence-based support. Whether you’re addressing anxiety or seeking lifestyle changes, our team, which includes Anna Keyter and Sara Taveira, offers secure online sessions tailored to your needs. Visit our FAQ page for more details on how online therapy works.

Getting Started with Online Motivational Interviewing

Ready to begin your journey? Book a session with our online therapy services to experience motivational interviewing. Our team is here to guide you towards positive change, one conversation at a time. You can also learn more about psychotherapy by following this link.