Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Part of you may want things to be different. Another part may feel uncertain, worried or exhausted by the thought of changing. Motivational interviewing (MI) is a way to explore that tension and find reasons for change that matter to you.
Counselling in London and Burlington, with online therapy and phone appointments across Ontario.
Interested in MI? Ask us about the approach and whether our counselling services fit your needs.
Explore how motivational interviewing works · Meet Hannah and Hailey
Space to explore what change could mean for you.
What is motivational interviewing?
Motivational interviewing is a collaborative conversation about a change you are considering. It helps you explore mixed feelings, clarify what matters and strengthen your own motivation. Your choices remain yours.
The Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers describes MI as a guiding communication style. A therapist listens closely, asks questions and helps you examine your own reasons for change. The conversation has a focus, while respecting your right to decide what happens next.
Feeling torn is sometimes called ambivalence. You might want more rest while also worrying about letting people down. Understanding both sides can be a useful place to begin.
When change feels complicated
MI focuses on the uncertainty around a particular change. These hypothetical situations show the kinds of questions someone might bring:
You want change, but have concerns
You can see a benefit, yet also worry about what you might lose or how others could respond.
A goal feels important but difficult
You have an idea of what you want, but doubt your confidence or ability to get started.
You are unsure whose goal it is
Other people want something to change. You need room to consider what matters to you.
A previous attempt was discouraging
You want to understand what made change hard and what support or a different first step might involve.
Practical barriers, outside pressure and difficult emotions can all be part of the conversation. A therapist can help you consider the wider picture.
How does motivational interviewing work?
MI conversations are often described through four connected processes. A therapist may move between them as the conversation develops; planning depends on your readiness. The NHS Scotland Matrix guide explains this flexible structure.
1. Engaging: feeling heard
The therapist listens to understand your situation, your perspective and what would make the conversation useful.
2. Focusing: choosing a direction
You agree on a change or concern to explore, so the conversation connects with something meaningful to you.
3. Evoking: exploring your reasons
You talk about why change might matter, what makes it difficult and strengths or past efforts you can draw on.
4. Planning: considering a next step
When you feel ready, you can explore a manageable action and the support it would need. More discussion may come first.
What might an MI conversation sound like?
A hypothetical example: imagine wanting to set a boundary at work, while worrying that saying no will disappoint someone.
A therapist might ask, “What would having that boundary make possible for you?” They might reflect the tension you have described: you value being dependable, and you also want more room to rest. You could then explore what makes the change important and how confident you feel about it.
A conversation may include open questions, recognition of your efforts, reflections and summaries. These listening skills are often called OARS, as outlined by the University of Toronto’s family medicine resource. They help you and the therapist understand the same situation more clearly.
Meet Hannah and Hailey
A free consultation gives you a chance to ask about a therapist’s experience, discuss the kind of support you want and consider fit. If you are specifically interested in motivational interviewing, mention that when you get in touch.
Hannah Steyaert
M.A., Registered Psychotherapist
Hannah’s primary approach is psychodynamic therapy. Her work includes helping young adults explore anxiety, stress and recurring relationship patterns.
London office
659 Central Ave, Suite 15, London, ON N5W 3P7
Free parking. 226-970-2861
Hailey Steyaert
M.A., Registered Psychotherapist
Hailey’s work emphasizes individual counselling, anxiety and trauma. Hailey has specialized training in ACT and trauma-focused therapy.
Burlington office
582 Guelph Line, Burlington, ON L7R 3M4
Free parking. 647-970-1790
Both clinicians offer online therapy across Ontario and phone appointments.
How MI can fit into a wider therapy plan
MI can be used on its own or alongside other therapeutic work, including conversations about a goal someone feels unsure about. It is distinct from CBT, ACT and DBT; these approaches have their own methods and purposes.
Research findings vary by concern and setting. When discussing care, a therapist should consider the evidence for your needs alongside your goals and preferences.
If anxiety, low mood or stress is making change difficult, those concerns deserve attention too. We can discuss whether individual counselling with our team fits your needs.
Fees and practical details
Individual counselling
$165 CAD for 50 minutes. The free 10-minute consultation is separate from a paid therapy session. View therapy fees and policies.
Insurance and changes to appointments
Receipts are available for eligible insurance reimbursement; check coverage with your insurer. Please give at least 48 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule to avoid the regular full-session charge.
Questions about motivational interviewing
You can start with what feels uncertain
You do not need to arrive with a plan. We can start with what has been difficult and help you consider a useful next step. Book a free 10-minute consultation to ask questions and talk about fit, with no obligation to continue.
Prefer to ask a question first?
Use the form below if you have questions or need help choosing a therapist. An inquiry does not reserve an appointment. Please keep your message brief; you do not need to include a detailed clinical history.
London and general inquiries: 226-970-2861. Burlington: 647-970-1790.
Further reading
For more about MI’s principles, see Understanding Motivational Interviewing from MINT. CAMH’s MI education overview describes its use in supporting health behaviour change. The Public Health Agency of Canada’s MI overview explains the role of listening and collaboration. For evidence in a specific setting, a 2023 Cochrane review of substance-use research found small benefits in some comparisons and little or no difference in others. These findings concern substance use and should not be generalized to every mental health concern.