What Is Motivational Enhancement Therapy?
Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MT) create a feeling of empowerment to search for answers from within.
The motivational interviewing and motivational enhancement therapy manual is used as a form of therapy for drug addiction.
In the initial assessment session, therapists use clinical psychology and motivational enhancement therapy to help answer questions about self-efficacy and readiness to change.
Motivational Enhancement Therapy MET- A Brief Understanding Of The Therapy
The clinical research guide shows that this intervention can be used by trained addiction recovery therapists to elicit internal changes within and promote long-term recovery from substance use disorder.
According to Motivational Enhancement Therapy, all the answers to addiction can be found within. Efficacy of treatment is based on the client finding the answers.
This comprehensive and successful therapy concept leads to behavioural changes, reflective listening, self-motivational statements, and a comprehensive recovery process.
Motivational interviewing sessions are designed to initiate an internal search for answers to life’s problems.
Motivational Enhancement Therapy works to generate positive, productive, and healthy conversations that can help with the counseling approach and lead to internally motivated change.
At Abbeycare however, we also feature other therapy options:
- Motivational interviewing for behaviour change
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Relapse prevention therapy
Motivational Enhancement Therapy MET: How Does It Work?
Motivational Enhancement Therapy is in two parts:
- Part one – initial assessment and intervention
- Part two – one-to-one therapy sessions with specialist counsellor
The direction of the motivational interviewing conversation will progress toward admitting substance use is problematic.
A productive final statement in motivational interviewing would be:
- "Alcohol actually makes me worse. If I don’t have a hangover, I am much more productive".
The Five Key Components To MET
Express Empathy
This is also known as the therapist alliance. The trust between therapist and client begins in session one. Therapists create trust, which builds the foundation for honest conversations about substance abuse and dependence.
Point Out Disparities
The motivational enhancement guide highlights that examining goals is difficult. However, the therapist will be considerate and encouraging while indicating the therapeutic gains needed to reach personal achievements.
Avert Argument
Arguments are seen as unhelpful and unproductive in MET, especially for those with alcoholism. Responses will be positive and solution-focused for patients while achieving abstinence.
Rolling with Intransigence
If the patient shows stubborn adolescent behavior, the therapist will remain unresponsive 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.
- MT Motivational Therapy, Howell (2004) understanding of cognitive behavioural therapies and a humanistic approach to changing negative behaviours.
Call our free 24/7 Helpline on 01603 513 091 or fill out the form below to speak to a trained addiction counsellor.
