Motivational interviewing primarily aims to enhance what aspect of an individual?

Motivational interviewing is a counseling approach that is specifically designed to facilitate and strengthen an individual's motivation to change. This method is particularly effective when individuals experience ambivalence toward making changes in their behavior, such as those related to substance use or recovery. By helping clients explore their feelings and motivations, motivational interviewing aims to resolve that ambivalence, allowing individuals to commit to making positive changes in their lives.

This approach involves understanding the person's perspective, encouraging self-exploration, and promoting confidence in their ability to change. The focus is not just on providing information or building social support, but rather on enhancing the individual's intrinsic motivation to move forward, which is a key factor in successful behavior change. Through establishing a supportive and empathetic environment, motivational interviewing empowers individuals to take ownership of their recovery journey, making it a vital tool in peer recovery coaching.