Making a change—whether it’s improving mental health, adopting healthier habits, or overcoming life’s challenges—can feel overwhelming. Often, people want to change but struggle with motivation, uncertainty, or fear of failure. At Anchor Within Counseling, we understand that transformation isn’t about simply deciding to change overnight. Instead, it’s about uncovering the motivation that already exists within you. That’s where Motivational Interviewing (MI) comes in.

Motivational Interviewing is a client-centered, collaborative counseling approach designed to help individuals explore, understand, and build the motivation needed to create lasting change. Whether you’re struggling with life transitions, self-doubt, or behavioral patterns you want to break, MI provides a non-judgmental, supportive space to work through your ambivalence and move forward with confidence.

What is Motivational Interviewing?

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based therapeutic technique that helps individuals:

• Clarify their goals and values

• Understand why change is important to them

• Overcome ambivalence and resistance to change

• Build confidence in their ability to take action

Unlike traditional therapy approaches that may focus on analyzing problems, MI is forward-thinking—it helps you discover and strengthen your personal reasons for change rather than just discussing the obstacles. You are in control of your journey, and the therapist’s role is to guide and support you in uncovering the motivation that already exists within you.

Key Principles of Motivational Interviewing

At Anchor Within Counseling, our therapists use MI to empower you, not to pressure you into change. This approach is based on five key principles:

1. Collaborative Partnership: We Work as a Team

Motivational Interviewing is not about a therapist telling you what to do. Instead, it’s a partnership where you and your therapist work together to explore what’s best for you.

• You are the expert on your own life—your experiences, values, and struggles matter.

• The therapist guides the conversation with curiosity, helping you reflect on what you want and why.

• The focus is on working together rather than prescribing solutions.

Example: Instead of a therapist saying, "You need to stop procrastinating," they might ask, "What’s been holding you back from getting started? How do you feel when you do take action?" This allows you to discover your own reasons for change, making it more meaningful and lasting.

2. Empathy and Understanding: A Judgment-Free Space

Making changes—whether big or small—can bring up self-doubt, shame, or fear. At Anchor Within Counseling, we prioritize empathy by:

• Listening without judgment to understand your thoughts and feelings.

• Creating a safe and supportive space where you feel heard and respected.

• Acknowledging struggles with compassion, so you don’t feel pressured or criticized.

Therapists practicing MI use reflective listening, meaning they don’t just hear your words—they make sure they understand the emotions and concerns behind them.

Example: If you’re feeling stuck in making a decision about your career, instead of saying, "You just need to go for it!", your therapist might say, "It sounds like you really want to make a change, but you're worried about whether it’s the right choice. Let’s explore that."

3. Exploring Ambivalence: It's Okay to Feel Unsure

Change is rarely black and white. Many people feel conflicted about making big life changes—wanting something different but feeling uncertain about taking the first step.

Motivational Interviewing helps you explore the pros and cons of change.

• What are the benefits of making a change?

• What are the risks of staying the same?

• How would life look different if you moved forward?

This process normalizes ambivalence and helps you gain clarity on your next steps.

Example: If someone wants to reduce their anxiety but is hesitant to start therapy, an MI therapist might say:

• "What are the reasons you feel drawn to therapy?"

• "What are the concerns that make you hesitate?"

• "How would your life look if your anxiety was more manageable?"

By gently guiding the conversation, MI helps clients resolve inner conflicts and build confidence in their decisions.

4. Strengthening Motivation: Connecting Change to Your Personal Values

Motivation isn’t just about wanting to change—it’s about understanding why change matters to you personally. MI helps you:

• Clarify your values—What’s most important to you?

• Identify how change aligns with your identity—How does this change support your long-term happiness?

• Develop an action plan that fits your lifestyle—What small steps can you take?

Rather than focusing on external pressure ("I should do this"), MI helps you find internal motivation ("I want to do this because it aligns with who I am.").

5. Supporting Autonomy: You Are in Control of Your Decisions

One of the most empowering aspects of Motivational Interviewing is that it centers your autonomy.

• You set the pace—there is no timeline for when change "should" happen.

• You decide what works for you—the therapist will never push you toward something you’re not ready for.

• You gain confidence in your ability to make choices that align with your well-being.

Example: Instead of saying, "You need to start exercising three times a week," an MI therapist might say, "What kind of movement feels enjoyable and sustainable for you?" This shifts the focus from obligation to personal choice, making it easier to commit to change.

Why Motivational Interviewing is Especially Helpful for BIPOC Clients

For BIPOC clients, Motivational Interviewing is a powerful tool because it respects and honors the complexities of lived experiences, systemic barriers, and cultural values.

1. Culturally Sensitive and Client-Centered

BIPOC clients often face unique challenges—including racism, discrimination, and cultural expectations—that can impact their ability to make changes. MI acknowledges these challenges and:

• Creates a nonjudgmental space where clients can express concerns freely.

• Validates experiences of systemic barriers while focusing on what is within their control.

• Encourages self-determination, reinforcing that clients have the right to define success for themselves.

2. Recognizing Cultural and Community Strengths

Many BIPOC individuals come from community-oriented backgrounds, where change is not only personal but also interconnected with family, spirituality, and cultural heritage. MI helps clients:

• Align changes with their cultural values rather than adopting Western-centric ideas of success.

• Recognize their existing resilience—honoring how their community and ancestry have shaped their strength.

• Navigate family or cultural expectations that may impact decision-making.

3. Addressing Systemic Barriers with Empowerment

BIPOC individuals may face additional barriers to change, such as:

• Lack of access to resources

• Workplace discrimination

• Generational trauma

Rather than ignoring these realities, MI helps clients explore solutions that empower them while acknowledging systemic challenges.

Change is Possible, and You Are in Control

At Anchor Within Counseling, we believe that everyone has the potential for change—but that change should come from a place of self-discovery, empowerment, and personal choice.

• You already have the wisdom and strength within you.

• Motivational Interviewing helps you unlock your potential in a way that feels right for you.

• Your journey is unique, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

If you’re ready to explore change at your own pace, in a way that aligns with your values and life goals, request services today to learn more about Motivational Interviewing and how it can empower you.