Miller and Rollnick (1991; 2013) indicate MI is a set of engagement processes and techniques designed to assess, evaluation and extract intrinsic motivation to change behaviors. Based on the trans-theoretical model for change (see Miller & Rollnick, 1991, 2013 and Prochaska et al., 1982), MI techniques include person-centered, empathy-oriented communication and listening practices that can assist in determining a person’s readiness to engage in change talk, help surface why they may be unwilling to change, or increase motivation to actually change their behavior(s).

see Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (1991) Motivational interviewing: Preparing people to change addictive behavior (1st ed.) .Guilford.

Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change (3rd ed.) Guilford Press.

Prochaska, J. O., & DiClemente, C. C. (1982). Transtheoretical therapy: Toward a more integrative model of change. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice, 19(3), 276–288. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0088437