Motivational Interviewing (MI)
in Beachwood, NJ
A collaborative, empowering approach that helps individuals strengthen motivation, reduce ambivalence, and make meaningful, lasting change.
Change Is Possible When You Feel Understood, Not Judged
Many people come to therapy feeling unsure about change. They may want to improve their mental health, reduce harmful behaviors, or make healthier decisions, but still feel conflicted, overwhelmed, or stuck. This is a normal part of the healing process. Change is not simply a matter of willpower. It requires clarity, confidence, and support.
Motivational Interviewing, often called MI, is a compassionate and evidence-based therapeutic approach designed to help individuals explore their ambivalence, strengthen internal motivation, and move toward positive change at their own pace. Rather than pushing or pressuring, MI focuses on listening, validating, and guiding individuals toward the goals they genuinely want for themselves.
At Triangle Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, MI is used across many treatment areas, including anxiety, depression, trauma responses, self-esteem issues, behavioral challenges, and substance use. It is especially helpful for clients who feel stuck, unsure, or hesitant about the next steps in their healing journey.
With extended hours up to 10 p.m. and appointments available seven days a week, MI can easily fit the schedules of students, working adults, parents, and anyone juggling the demands of daily life.
ADD/ADHD Treatment
in Toms River, NJ
Compassionate, evidence-based care that supports focus, stability, and long-term success.
What Is Motivational Interviewing?
Motivational Interviewing is a therapeutic approach that emphasizes collaboration, autonomy, and internal motivation. Rather than telling individuals what they should do, MI helps them discover their own reasons for change and identify steps that feel both realistic and meaningful.
Understanding MI
Key Principles of MI
Partnership
MI is a partnership between therapist and client. You are not directed or lectured. Instead, you work together to explore your values, goals, and ambivalence.
Acceptance
Your thoughts and feelings are accepted without judgment. MI honors your autonomy and sees you as the expert of your own experience.
Compassion
The goal is to understand your internal struggles and help you feel supported, encouraged, and empowered.
Evocation
Instead of imposing solutions, MI helps you bring forward your own motivations and strengths. Change comes from within, not from outside pressure.
Behaviors and Conditions MI Helps Treat
Motivational Interviewing (MI) supports individuals facing a range of emotional and behavioral challenges, including:
- substance use and other unhealthy patterns
- anxiety, avoidance, and emotional regulation difficulties
- depression, low motivation, and self-esteem concerns
- trauma-related ambivalence and identity struggles
- decision-making challenges, anger, frustration, and impulsivity
- difficulty starting or maintaining healthy habits
MI is especially valuable when individuals are unsure about change or feel conflicted about next steps.
Motivational Interviewing helps turn uncertainty into motivation and intention into action.
MI is adaptable to different ages and situations. It is helpful for children, teens, adults, and families.
Who Motivational Interviewing Helps
Children
For younger clients, MI helps them
▲ understand their choices
▲ express feelings more clearly
▲ improve problem-solving
▲ make positive decisions
▲ feel more in control of their actions
It can be useful for behavioral challenges, school-related stress, or frustration tolerance.
Teens & Adolescents
Adolescents often experience emotional conflict and uncertainty. MI helps teens:
▲ build self-awareness
▲ navigate peer pressure
▲ reduce impulsivity
▲ explore identity
▲ strengthen decision-making skills
▲ understand the impact of their choices
▲ connect goals with personal values
It provides a supportive environment where teens feel heard rather than judged.
Adults
Adults benefit from MI when they are struggling with:
▲ procrastination
▲ emotional overwhelm
▲ ambivalence about treatment
▲ difficulty maintaining routines
▲ unhealthy coping behaviors
▲ relationship patterns
▲ stress and burnout
MI gives adults clarity and confidence to move toward healthier patterns.
Individuals exploring recovery or behavioral change:
many individuals want change but fear it, doubt themselves, or feel pressure from others. MI provides a safe space to explore this ambivalence and build readiness for progress.
What to Expect During MI Treatment
Motivational Interviewing is client-led, compassionate, and deeply collaborative. There is no pressure and no judgment. Instead, the therapist guides you in examining your goals, values, and internal motivations.
1. Exploring Ambivalence
Many people feel conflicted about change. MI helps you explore both sides of the conflict with curiosity and self-compassion. You may discuss:
- what you want
- what scares you
- what feels hard
- your hopes and fears
- internal barriers
This process reduces shame and increases insight.
2. Identifying Strengths and Values
Your therapist will help you identify:
- personal strengths
- core values
- previous successes
- resources and supports
Understanding strengths makes change feel more possible.
3. Clarifying Goals
MI guides you through setting goals that are:
- meaningful
- realistic
- specific to your needs
- aligned with your values
These become the foundation for change.
4. Developing Internal Motivation
Instead of external pressure, MI helps you develop motivation by exploring:
- your reasons for change
- personal meaning
- emotional benefits
- long-term vision
This internal motivation is more powerful and lasting than external pressure.
5. Creating a Plan for Change
Once motivation strengthens, your therapist helps you build a plan that may include:
- coping skills
- behavior changes
- emotional regulation strategies
- communication improvements
- safety planning (when relevant)
- accountability without shame
You remain in control of the pace.
6. Managing Obstacles and Setbacks
Instead of criticizing setbacks, MI teaches you to:
- view mistakes as learning opportunities
- increase resilience
- identify emotional triggers
- adjust your plan without giving up
This creates confidence and self-compassion.
7. Integrating MI With Other Approaches
MI often works in combination with:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills
- trauma-informed care
- medication management
- family support
It strengthens outcomes across all mental health concerns.
Why Choose Triangle for MI?
Nonjudgemental Environment
Clients feel heard and respected. MI thrives in an environment where individuals feel safe to explore their fears and hopes.
Expertise in Motivational Enhancement
Richard Holligan, PMHNP-BC, integrates MI with evidence-based modalities to help clients overcome ambivalence.
Evidence-Based, Whole-Person Care
We combine MI with emotional tools, behavioral strategies, and trauma-informed support for comprehensive healing.
Flexible Scheduling
Evening and weekend appointments allow clients to attend therapy consistently, even during busy weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Motivational Interviewing different from other therapies?
MI is collaborative and client-led. Instead of telling you what to change, your therapist helps you explore your own motivations and build confidence at your own pace.
What concerns does MI help with the most?
MI is especially helpful for ambivalence, anxiety, depression, self-destructive habits, substance use patterns, emotional overwhelm, and difficulty following through with goals.
How long does MI take?
MI can be brief or ongoing depending on your needs. Many people experience meaningful shifts within a few sessions, while others use MI throughout long-term treatment as motivation evolves.
Begin Your Journey Toward Confidence, Clarity, and Lasting Change
Change becomes possible when you feel supported, understood, and empowered. Motivational Interviewing provides the tools to explore your goals, reduce self-doubt, and strengthen the motivation that already exists within you.
You are capable of meaningful change. You do not have to do this alone. Reach out today to begin your MI journey.
