In motivational interviewing, who determines whether change occurs?

In motivational interviewing, who determines whether change occurs?

• A. Up to the person
• B. Dictated by the clinician
• C. A universal requirement
• D. Inevitable for all clients

Answer: (A)

In motivational interviewing, change is driven by the person seeking it. The clinician works as a collaborative partner who builds rapport, explores ambivalence, and helps the client articulate their own reasons for change while boosting confidence that they can succeed. Because autonomy matters, the final decision to change rests with the client, not with the clinician, and not with external expectations or universal timelines. For example, a client may decide to cut back on alcohol after weighing the pros and cons, and the clinician supports that decision without forcing it. This is why the client determines whether change occurs.

In motivational interviewing, change is driven by the person seeking it. The clinician works as a collaborative partner who builds rapport, explores ambivalence, and helps the client articulate their own reasons for change while boosting confidence that they can succeed. Because autonomy matters, the final decision to change rests with the client, not with the clinician, and not with external expectations or universal timelines. For example, a client may decide to cut back on alcohol after weighing the pros and cons, and the clinician supports that decision without forcing it. This is why the client determines whether change occurs.