What is the primary goal of motivational interviewing?

• A. Prescribe medications.
• B. Elicit client motivation and resolve ambivalence.
• C. Tell client what to do.
• D. Suppress client autonomy.

Answer: (B)

Motivational interviewing aims to help clients move toward change by drawing out their own motivations and working through their ambivalence. It’s a collaborative, nonjudgmental conversation that honors client autonomy and uses reflective listening and open-ended questions to elicit statements of desire, ability, reasons, and decisions for change—often called change talk. By guiding clients to explore both sides of the dilemma, the clinician helps them see how current behaviors line up with their values and goals, making the incentive to change come from within rather than from external pressure. Techniques such as highlighting discrepancies, rolling with resistance, and supporting self-efficacy strengthen internal motivation and readiness to change. This approach avoids directing or coercing the client, instead empowering them to choose their path forward.