What Is Motivational Enhancement Therapy?
The motivational enhancement therapy manual for motivational interviewing is greatly used in drug addiction treatment.
In the initial assessment battery session, therapists treating individuals use clinical psychology and motivational enhancement therapy to help answer questions about self-addiction and explain why using substances has to stop, for recovery to begin.
Recovery from the bind of addiction and inability to stop substance use and control the associated problems is a long and complicated journey that requires plenty of support and therapy.
Motivational Empowerment Therapy is empowering because, the therapist creates an environment conducive for self-reflection and discovery. A journey within to find the answers as to why substance use is occurring and how to stop it for good.
This is a great approach to clinical psychology and the treatment of alcohol abuse.
Motivational Enhancement Therapy MET- A Brief Understanding Of The Therapy
Abbeycare provides the tools for living a happy, productive drug and alcohol-free life.
At Abbeycare we provide the tools for living a happy, productive drug and alcohol-free life.
One of the many therapies we utilize is MET. The clinical research guide shows that this therapy is used by the trained addiction recovery therapists to elicit internal changes within and promote the desire to stop using substances for the long term.
Consider a therapy in which the participant is the educator. According to Motivational Enhancement Therapy, all the answers to addiction can be found within. They are within each and every person. This therapy in essence draws them out.
Drug addiction treatment is not easy. Using this concept of motivational viewing, makes the addiction treatment more comprehensive and successful leading to behavioural changes, reflective listening, self motivational statements, a comprehensive recovery process, and intervention.
The motivational interviewing sessions are designed in such a way that an internal search to find answers to life’s problems is commenced. Humans in essence are complex in nature. A full life experiences negative and positive is held within each and every person’s memory bank.
Motivational Enhancement Therapy works to draw these positive, productive and healthy conversations that can help with the counseling approach leading to internally motivated change.
At Abbeycare however, we also feature other drug addiction treatment options such as;
- Motivational interviewing for behavior change
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Substance abuse.
- Behavioural psychotherapy
- Cessation strategies
- Help with addictive behaviors
Motivational Enhancement Therapy MET: How Does It Work?
Motivational Enhancement Therapy explores a client’s motivation to change through enhancement therapy strategies. In general, those addicted to alcohol abuse and drug abuse really do not want to be addicted.
Motivational Enhancement Therapy can be considered in two parts:
- Part one – initial assessment/conversation of drug and alcohol use
- Part two – one to one therapy sessions with specialist counsellor
Part one involves motivational interviewing - a conversation with a therapist regarding how substances are taken, why they are taken and when they became a problem.
In Part two motivational enhancement through a conversation between therapist and client may start by discussing alcohol use and drug abuse and the reasons why it is used.
The direction of the motivational interviewing conversation will progress towards the truth about alcohol i.e. it has become problematic rather than helpful.
A productive final statement from the national institute such as: "alcohol actually makes me worse if I don’t have a hangover, I am much more productive," would indicate insight by the client into how alcohol affects their life.
In the final statement the client has come to understand the behaviors related to what they initially thought was helping i.e. alcohol after work as coping strategies for stress was actually making them worse.
According to the National institute; The Motivational Enhancement Therapy manual (third edition): A clinical research guide for therapists treating individuals with substance abuse and dependence, by Miller W R and Rollnick.
It states that; Motivational interviewing and subsequent sessions are for preparing people for change and transition from drug use to sobriety.
In this instance the faulty internal dialogue for drug use treatment usually is challenged by the client. A new truth is then understood. The client has challenged their own belief system. This is the essence of MET.
Conversations in this sense will continue with the therapist for two to four sessions. Provoking an internal challenge in each session for the client.
The Five Key Components To MET
In Volume 2 third edition Project MATCH Monograph Series by Miller W R. Guilford press
Express Empathy
This is also known as the therapist alliance. The trust between therapist and client begins in session one. This is for human services, where therapists create trust, which builds the foundation for honest conversations to occur.
Raising awareness and helping the patients develop discrepancy will change talk from alcohol abuse and other drugs to other forms of addictions, which MET therapists understand.
Point out disparities
Research based guide says that looking at goals is a difficult task. However, the therapist will be considerate and encouraging whilst indicating the distance that needs to be covered in the project match in order to reach these personal achievements.
Avert Argument
Arguments are seen as unhelpful and unproductive in MET especially for problem drinkers. Responses will be positive, and solution focused for the patients during treatment and intervention.
Rolling with Intransigence
Research based guide by Miller W. R. principles state that; if the stubborn child or patient behavior raises its head the therapist will roll with this stubbornness (expecting it) and continue to elicit positive responses
MET Origins & Links
Working on the philosophy that self-motivation is the required catalyst to change, MET is a combination of
- MI Motivational Interviewing in Miller & Rollnick (2002) experience of treatment of alcohol users whose drinking had become problematic and has developed a resistance. And,
- MT Motivational Therapy, Howell (2004) understanding of cognitive behavioural therapies and a humanistic approach to changing negative behaviours.
In short, a therapy interested in the value of human beings and their intrinsic motivation to change for the better and consider health through principles.
When you combine the treatment for the patient, then they are able to avoid resistance and understand why this treatment actually works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, both originally MI was used with people on methadone when considering a reduction plan. To increase the internal readiness to change and therefore reduce the intake of methadone and/or stop altogether.
MET has been approved by Miller & Rollnick (2002) the original creators of MI. And has been seen to invoke positive internal changes that lead to better choices by those addicted to drugs and/or alcohol.
Although a lot has been written about MET which may seem overwhelming. In essence MET is a conversation between therapist and client which is positive and encouraging.
When entering rehab at Abbeycare you are encouraged not to worry about the therapy sessions. These sessions will go at your own pace and are designed to make the client feel better.
If MET is not the therapy for you the trained professionals allocated to your care can try other treatment modalities that you may feel more comfortable with.
These sessions are confidential between the therapist and you as are all one to one therapy.
Confidentiality of the residents within Abbeycare is an utmost priority and both Quality Care Commissions for England and Scotland regularly inspect our services to ensure areas such as Confidentiality are being met.
If you wish to learn more about our Addiction Treatment or Motivational Enhancement Therapy call our free 24/7 Helpline on 01603 513 091 or fill out the form below to speak to a trained addiction counsellor.
