Working with ambivalence in alcohol and other drug treatment: The role of motivational interviewing
When someone has a desire to make a change, and they feel conflicted or uncertain about it, this is called ambivalence. It’s a natural and expected part of behaviour change, especially when it comes to making difficult or challenging changes like addressing alcohol and other drug use. Instead of seeing ambivalence as a roadblock, practitioners should recognise it as an opportunity to have meaningful conversations about change.
People can feel ambivalent for various reasons:
- Frustration with their current situation
- Anxiety or nervousness about the unknown
- Difficulty seeing why change is necessary
- Lack of confidence in their ability to change
- Feelings of hopelessness or low self worth
- Past treatment experiences that didn’t work out
These mixed feelings aren’t signs of resistance. They’re just part of the internal struggle that comes with change. And as practitioners, our role isn’t to talk people out of their ambivalence, but to acknowledge it and explore it with them in a supportive way.
That’s where motivational interviewing comes in. Motivational interviewing is a person centred counselling approach that helps people work through ambivalence and move toward change at their own pace. It’s not about handing out solutions but about guiding people toward their own self discovery and building motivation from within.
Motivational interviewing helps strengthen a person’s motivation and commitment to change by:
- Drawing out their own reasons for wanting change
- Exploring their personal values and goals
- Creating a safe, supportive space for self reflection
Instead of persuading or confronting, motivational interviewing helps people navigate their uncertainty and build confidence in their ability to make meaningful changes. By taking this approach, practitioners empower people to take ownership of their journey and create lasting motivation for change.
Motivational interviewing guidelines have recently been updated
Motivational interviewing is always evolving — it’s important that practitioners keep up to date with best practice. Our practical, online Rethink MI: A two day motivational interviewing masterclass is designed to advance your motivational interviewing expertise in line with the latest evidence.
You’ll take your motivational interviewing skills to the next level by using self reflection and practical exercises to understand and apply advanced strategies across assessment, intervention, and responding to therapeutic challenges. Learn how to really motivate your clients and drive positive change.
Walk away with practical skills that you can implement immediately:
- Understand the ins and outs of motivational interviewing and the latest evidence
- Understand what drives, and how to better respond to, client ambivalence
- Apply a comprehensive model of change that integrates client values
- Develop advanced motivational listening and questioning skills
- Develop high level skills in eliciting change
- Understand and effectively respond to therapeutic relationship difficulties
Learn more about Rethink MI: A two day motivational interviewing masterclass here.
