Monday, May 14, 2018

Motivational Interviewing: How a Counselling Psychologist Can Help You to Find Motivation

Many of the problems we face can be solved by one simple thing; change. However, that is easier said than done. Many people find themselves stuck in the same rut for weeks, months or even years simply because they can’t find the motivation to change the one thing that could change their lives for the better.

However, psychologists developed motivational interviewing back in the 80s for these types of situation. Before this counselling technique was developed, confrontation was seen as the only way to address lack of motivation in people who were undergoing therapy. Motivational interviewing, however, uses an approach that is not confrontational. Instead, it encourages the psychologist and their patient to work together to find the motivational spart that will encourage the person to change.

This method was developed with the idea that it would be helpful for individuals who were battling addiction. However, the method has since been applied to help patients who were battling:
  • Anxiety
  • Sexual addictions
  • Depression
  • Gambling problems etc
The ‘spirit of motivational interviewing is made up of three parts. These are:
  1. Collaboration: The patient and the therapist work together and the therapist even tries to see things from the point of view of the patient.
  2. Evocation: Instead of the therapist imposing their views on the patient and telling them what they should do, they create an atmosphere that encourages the patient to express themselves and they only guide them to develop a desire to change
  3. Autonomy: the patient’s ability to make decisions is always respected

Bayside Psychologist: When To Consider Therapy

By the time many people decide to seek the help of a professional, they’ve usually been suffering for a lot longer than they had to. Many people don’t recognize the need to see a therapist in themselves and will only try it out once somebody else recommends it.

The sad truth is that not everyone will have someone around who will notice the signs early enough. Therefore, you should take the time to look at your own life and spot the signs that you may benefit from seeing a counselling psychologist.

Some of the signs you should look for include:
  • Feeling helpless and sad for prolonged periods of times and nothing you, your friends or your family do seems to help.
  • You worry a lot and it’s making it difficult for you to partake in the most routine activities without fearing the worst.
  • The things you do are having a negative impact on your health, finances or relationships
  • You can’t carry out daily activities due to a lack of concentration and your schoolwork or career is starting to suffer. 

Many mental health issues get worse the longer it takes you to get treatment. When you’re able to recognise the signs of these issues early enough, you will be able to reach out to a Bayside Psychologist early enough so you can start on the journey to fix the problem. Bayside Counselling and Consultation and other practices are helping people to take a more proactive approach to their mental health.