Introducing Motivational Interviewing

This is the philosophy of LCIA. Coach students often learn what to do, and often the how can be overlooked. We ensure students graduate their training program with a tool-kit that will support their coaching endeavors and provide the best outcome for their future clients.

LCIA provides education on the basic MI communication style. This is client focused with an emphasis on evoking the client’s desire for change. Change talk needs to be identified and listened for. Thus, coach students must learn to listen well. This often means turning down the volume in their minds of wanting to give advice, cheerleading, asking questions that are information seeking rather than powerful questions that provide their client’s greater insight and motivation for their desired change.

Motivational Interviewing allows for a non-judgemental space for a client to explore change. The benefits and costs. Considering the client’s readiness for change. MI supports the coach and client in the development of a client’s reason and argument for their focus of change. MI is a creative communication style that demonstrates respect for the client’s autonomy. MI respects the time of silence that is often needed by the client to process change. MI honors a client’s consideration of change.

Motivational Interviewing is a specific style of communication that reflects a beautiful dance between client and coach.