Clinical Practice SWES Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Resource

Motivational interviewing (MI) primarily utilizes client-centered strategies that focus on enhancing an individual’s motivation for change. This approach emphasizes understanding the client's perspective, encouraging their intrinsic motivation, and fostering a collaborative relationship between the therapist and the client.

In this context, the therapist's role is to listen actively, reflect the client's feelings and thoughts, and help them explore their ambivalence about change. Rather than applying pressure or imposing goals, the therapist supports the client in identifying their own reasons for wanting to change, thus promoting a sense of ownership over their choices and progress. This client-centered approach is fundamental to motivational interviewing, as it respects the individual's autonomy and builds on their strengths, leading to more sustainable and meaningful change.

The other strategies mentioned do not align with the essence of motivational interviewing. Directive strategies would typically involve more control by the therapist, which can undermine the client-centered, collaborative foundation of MI. Non-directive strategies without focus on goals may lack the structured support that MI provides to guide clients toward actionable steps. Lastly, comparison-based strategies do not align with MI's focus on personal motivation and individual circumstances.