Explain how motivational interviewing works, when to use it, and in what ways it may benefit clients.

What will be an ideal response?

Motivational interviewing is a therapeutic approach based on empathy and client-centered techniques. One benefit is the brief duration, as treatment is often delivered over one or two sessions. The primary goal is to help patients commit to change and subsequent treatment. It is more direct than client-centered therapy in that the therapist encourages the client to identify their own reasons for wanting to change. It is successfully used to treat substance abuse and addiction, and shows a significant impact when used with ethnic minorities. Its success rate is attributed to the collaborative and nonconfrontational style of motivational interviewing. GRADING RUBRIC: 10 points total, 3 for how it works, 3 for when to use it, 4 for benefits.