NCJ Number
217891
Date Published
2007
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This chapter explains motivational interviewing and how probation officers can use it to increase a client's readiness for positive change.
Abstract
Motivational interviewing (MI) is not a collection of techniques to apply on an offender. Raising motivation and thereby increasing an offender's readiness to change requires the cultivation of a "climate" in which the person in need of change experiences that the interviewer is supportive and prepared to help the person achieve the difficult and incremental journey toward change. People resist change that requires them to acknowledge that they have been wrong and harmful in their behavior and attitudes. This resistance becomes even more tenacious when a person is interacting with a judgmental person who confronts them with lectures and criticisms of their current behaviors and attitudes. The motivation to change is more likely to emerge in the presence of a person who provides support and unconditional acceptance of the person while encouraging change as a beneficial path for the client. The more a person is directed and pressed for change, the more likely they are to resist change and terminate interaction. MI avoids the extremes of the "hard" and "soft" approach with clients. The "hard" approach is overly directive and moves offenders toward a passive role. A "soft" approach places the officer in a passive role that fosters manipulation by the client. MI makes clear that continuing harmful behaviors will have consequences and that it will be beneficial for the client to begin the change process with the help of the probation officer. 30 references