How does motivational interviewing work and how can it help?
Motivational interviewing is a collaborative, patient-centered approach that helps people explore their thoughts, goals, and mixed feelings about change.
Instead of forcing advice, it works through open conversation. The goal is to help you identify what matters to you, what may be getting in the way, and what steps feel realistic. It is especially helpful when someone feels stuck, uncertain, or not fully ready to make a change.
It can help by:
improving motivation for treatment
building confidence in your ability to make changes
reducing resistance or shame during difficult conversations
supporting healthier habits, coping skills, and decision-making
helping with concerns like anxiety, depression, substance use, medication adherence, and lifestyle changes
The process is respectful and nonjudgmental. It gives you space to feel heard while also helping you move toward meaningful progress at your own pace.
Shialla Warren, APRN, PMHNP-BC, has consistently demonstrated a profound interest in psychiatry and the mental well-being of individuals, both in her personal and professional pursuits. Commencing her psychiatry journey in 2013, she has acquired diverse experience across various psychiatric domains, including forensics, crisis stabilization, inpatient care, detoxification, and, most recently, outpatient psychiatry.
Shy excels in interpersonal communication and actively engages in collaborative dialogue with her patients. This collaborative approach is instrumental in crafting effective and tailored treatment plans to achieve optimal outcomes. Shy's dedication to the field is evident in her multifaceted experiences and her commitment to fostering therapeutic alliances for the betterment of her patients.