Motivational Interviewing Therapy (MI)

Igniting Your Inner Motivation


Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative approach that helps individuals tap into their own motivation for change. By focusing on strengths and building self-efficacy, MI empowers you to create lasting positive changes.  

What is MI?

MI is a client-centered approach that honors your autonomy and supports your decision-making process. It's about working together to explore your reasons for change and build confidence in your ability to achieve your goals.  

How Does MI Work?

At Exhale Therapy, our MI sessions involve:

  • Active Listening: We provide empathetic and attentive listening to understand your perspective.

  • Open-Ended Questions: We encourage you to explore your thoughts and feelings about change.

  • Affirmations: We acknowledge your strengths and efforts to support your motivation.

  • Summarizing: We reflect back what we've heard to enhance understanding and build trust.

  • Eliciting Change Talk: We help you identify reasons for change and explore potential benefits.

Benefits of MI

Motivational Interviewing (MI) offers numerous benefits, including:

  • Increased Motivation: Tap into your inner resources to ignite a desire for change.

  • Enhanced Self-Efficacy: Build confidence in your ability to achieve your goals.

  • Improved Decision Making: Make informed choices aligned with your values and priorities.

  • Greater Autonomy: Take ownership of your change process and feel empowered.

  • Reduced Ambivalence: Resolve conflicting feelings and motivations to create clarity.

  • Sustained Behavior Change: Develop the skills to maintain positive changes long-term.

When to Consider MI

MI is a versatile approach applicable to a wide range of challenges, including:

  • Health Behavior Change: Develop healthier habits such as exercise, nutrition, and sleep.

  • Addiction Recovery: Overcome substance abuse or addictive behaviors.

  • Chronic Disease Management: Improve self-care and treatment adherence for conditions like diabetes or asthma.

  • Parenting Challenges: Enhance parenting skills and build stronger parent-child relationships.

  • Career Development: Explore career options, improve job satisfaction, and manage work-life balance.

  • Life Transitions: Navigate major life changes with greater ease and resilience.

Things to Know About MI

MI is a collaborative process that emphasizes your role in the change process. It's a respectful and non-judgmental approach that supports your autonomy.  

Your Next Steps

Located in the heart of Kitchener-Waterloo, Exhale Therapy is dedicated to providing accessible and effective mental health support to individuals in our community and beyond. If you're ready to explore your motivation for change and build a plan for success, MI can be a powerful tool. To schedule a consultation or learn more about our MI services, please call us at 226-647-1710 or email us at info@exhaletherapy.ca. Take the first step towards creating lasting positive changes with Exhale Therapy.