Motivational Interviewing

If you’re on the fence about changing unhelpful habits, motivational interviewing may be the tool you’re looking for. Helix Neuropsychiatric Center offers motivational interviewing sessions for adults and adolescents who want to change but need to find their motivational spark. Gil Hoftman, MD, PhD, is highly skilled at using this dynamic technique to empower you to achieve your highest potential. Dr. Hoftman also uses motivational interviewing in the management of anxiety and other psychiatric disorders. Call the El Segundo, California, office to find out if you’re a candidate for motivational interviewing, or use the online scheduling feature to book an appointment today. 

What is motivational interviewing?

Change can only occur when you’re ready to do the work — not when others want you to change. Motivational interviewing helps you uncover your own ideas about change rather than following the advice of a therapist.

Motivational interviewing is a counseling technique that helps people identify the internal motivators that empower them to make positive life changes. This patient-focused method is an effective tool for people who want to improve their lives but have unresolved feelings about making necessary changes.

Helix Neuropsychiatric Center offers motivational interviewing services for adults and adolescents who are ready and willing to make positive life changes.

Dr. Hoftman works closely with you to better understand what motivates you and how to use those motivators to inspire change from within.

How does motivational interviewing work?

Helix Neuropsychiatric Center provides a safe, welcoming space for motivational interviewing sessions.

Dr. Hoftman uses different techniques to help you explore your feelings and pinpoint what motivates you. These techniques include:

Open-ended questions

Open-ended questions encourage you to search deep within yourself for answers about situations and can’t be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.”

Affirming statements

Affirmations are personal statements that reinforce your strengths and positive thoughts. Practicing affirming statements regularly helps increase your confidence about your ability to change.

Reflection

Dr. Hoftman uses his reflective listening skills to understand your point of view. Knowing that your therapist truly hears you can also help you clarify your own thoughts and feelings.

When should I schedule a motivational interviewing appointment?

Originally, motivational interviewing was designed to help those who have substance use disorders make necessary changes to turn their life around. The technique is also highly effective at inspiring change in those who face challenges related to:

• Obesity
• Smoking
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Risky sexual behaviors

Dr. Hoftman can also include motivational interviewing as part of your care plan for mental or emotional health disorders, such as anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In addition to increasing your self-confidence, motivational interviewing helps you realize the power you have to change your own life. As you learn how to take responsibility for your actions, you gain a better understanding of your potential and the motivation to achieve your goals.

Call Helix Neuropsychiatric Center to learn more about the benefits of motivational interviewing, or book a consultation online today.