What Is Motivational Interviewing?

What Is Motivational Interviewing?: Motivational interviewing is a short-term, practical therapeutic intervention which aims to strengthen personal motivation and commitment to a specific behavioural change. It is collaborative and goal-oriented approach, requiring the therapist/counsellor and the client to work together on an agreed aim.

It is most useful for people who are feeling ambivalent about change, and want help to move out of an equivocal stage where self-confidence and desire to change is low, into a stage where they feel more driven, more understanding of the benefits of change, and more confident in their own ability to effect it.

How Does motivational interviewing Work?: This is a person-centered evidence-based therapy approach to behavior change and involves enhancing a patient’s desire and applied motivation to change by engaging them with motivational interviewing techniques using four general principles (R.U.L.E):

Resist the righting reflex
Understand the patient’s own motivations
Listen with empathy
Empower the patient

Motivational interviewing is formulated as a method of communication rather than an intervention, it is sometimes used on its own, or can be woven into other forms of psychotherapy modalities.

Motivational Interviewing Coaches Working at HQ Therapy

What to expect from motivational interviewing?: Your practitioner will mostly listen to you talk, and reflect your feelings and motivations back to you. Hearing your own thoughts spoken to you, and being able to express a desire and commitment out loud can be crucial in the acceptance of your ability to make the changes you want.

Below is a selection of our current fully trained motivational interviewing therapists and counsellors who are available to work with clients who will learn how to use motivational interviewing techniques and motivational interviewing questions using a wide range range of coaching techniques.

Choosing the right counselor is an important decision for you and it is important that you work with the right practitioner and that both feel comfortable working together.

Alec Williams Integrative Counsellor and Coach

Alec Williams:
Integrative Counsellor & Coach (MBACP)

Works: Face-2-face, online
Based At: Haggerston

Joe Moran:
Integrative Psychotherapist (UKCP, MBACP)

Works: Face-2-face, online
Based At: Haggerston

Marie Yeo Psychotherapist and Coach London E8

Marie Yeo:
Psychotherapist & Coach (BACP)

Works: Face-2-face, online
Based At: Haggerston

Mark Crow:
Counsellor (BACP)

Works: Face-2-face, online
Based At: Haggerston

Candy Newman:
Humanistic Psychotherapist (MBACP)

Works: Face-2-face, online, phone
Based At: Haggerston

Kat Hudson:
Integrative Arts Psychotherapist (BACP, HCPC)

Works: Face-2-face
Based At: Dalston

Ben Willens Integrative Therapist London E8

Ben Willens:
Integrative Therapist (NCH)

Works: Face-2-face, online
Based At: Haggerston, Dalston

Leonie Drake Child and Adolescent Therapist

Leonie Drake:
Child & Adolescent Therapist (BACP)

Works: Face-2-face, online
Based At: Haggerston

Rob Scaife Integrative Counselling and Therapy

Rob Scaife:
Integrative Counselling & Therapy (BACP, UKCP)

Works: Face-2-face, online, phone
Based At: Haggerston

Stefani Ross-Steen Psychotherapist and Counsellor

Stefani Ross-Steen:
Psychotherapist & Counsellor (UKCP)

Works: Face-2-face, online
Based At: Haggerston, Dalston

Rachel Musson:
Advanced Trainee Psychotherapist (UKCP student member)

Works: Face-2-face, online
Based At: Haggerston, Dalston

James Hawkins:
Psychotherapist & Outreach Therapist (MBACP)

Works: Face-2-face, online,
Based At: Haggerston, Dalston

Alessia Vignali Integrative Counsellor and Coach

Alessia Vignali:
Integrative Counsellor & Coach (BACP)

Works: Face-2-face, online, phone
Based At: Haggerston

Jennifer Burn:
Therapeutic Counsellor (MBACP)

Works: Face-2-face, online
Based At: Haggerston

Saeed Khalilirad Psychodynamic and CBT Psychotherapist

Saeed Khalilirad:
Psychotherapeutic Counsellor (UKCP, MBACP)

Works: Face-2-face, online, phone
Based At: Haggerston

Dobrochna Zajas:
Cognitive Behavioural & EMDR Therapist (BABCP)

Works: Face-2-face, online, phone
Based At: Haggerston, Dalston

Sophie Robinson Acupuncturist and Remedial Massage Therapist

Sophie Robinson:
Acupuncture & Remedial Massage Therapist (Lic. Ac., MBACC)

Works: Face-2-face, online
Based At: Haggerston

Melanie Cox:
Psychotherapist (MBACP)

Works: Face-2-face, online
Based At: Haggerston, Dalston

David Dixon psychotherapist and counsellor

David Dixon:
Psychotherapist & Counsellor (UKCP)

Works: Face-2-face, online, phone
Based At: Haggerston

Anna Humphries Psychodynamic Counsellor and Psychotherapist

Anna Humphries:
Psychodynamic Counsellor & Psychotherapist (MBACP)

Works: Face-2-face, online,
Based At: Haggerston, Dalston

Emma Buck Counsellor and personal consultant adults and children

Emma Buck:
Integrative Counsellor & Personal Consultant (BACP)

Works: Face-2-face, online
Based At: Haggerston

Sammy Alattar:
Qualified Integrative Counsellor (MBACP)

Works: Face-2-face
Based At: Haggerston, Dalston

Roslyn Urquhart Psychoanalytic and Art Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor

Roslyn Urquhart:
Psychoanalytic & Art Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor (UKCP, HCPC)

Works: Face-2-face, online
Based At: Haggerston, Dalston

Therapy Issues That Motivational Interviewing Helps With

What is motivational interviewing used for?: Motivation for change starts to occur when you become aware of a mismatch between ‘where you are’ and ‘where you want to be‘. There are a number of benefits for this type of therapy, aside from just working with it (and using it alongside other therapy modalities) to just helping conversations, such as using it for a range of physical & emotional problems and some behavioural disorders (see some examples below).

We want you to feel able to discuss any questions or worries with your therapist. This is important in order for you to progress your therapy. If you feel like you still need some more help in your decision then get in touch with us using the form at the bottom of this page (‘Can I Contact You For Advice About Therapy?’) and someone will guide you through the process.

These are some of the additional counseling issues we deal with that are closely related to motivational interviewing.

Sexuality & Sexual Health

Helping you deal with the psychological aspects of sexual health & wellbeing.

Behavioural Disorders

Understanding your behaviour patterns & managing the challenges you’re facing.

Anger Management

Managing the symptoms of your anger issues & controlling your reactions.

Gender Identity Issues

Giving you a safe space to explore & express your feelings without judgement.

Substance Abuse & Addiction

Helping you to explore the underlying causes of your addiction issues.

Life Transitions

Dealing with important changes or adjustments in your life that impact you.

Eating Disorders

When your relationship to food is complicated or beyond your control.

Physical & Emotional Problems

Discovering inner resources you can process & dealing with issues you can’t control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should I Seek Motivational Interviewing?

Many people, new to this type of help, believe that they need to be suffering from “mental illness” or serious “psychological problems”, or be in crisis in order for therapy and counselling to be appropriate for them. This is a common misconception; anyone can benefit from therapy when it comes to helping you deal with your personal feelings and problems, make positive changes in your life, and understand yourself better.

So what is therapy and counselling? If you’re new to this world then the first steps can sometimes be the most difficult. Therapy can be a very effective treatment for a whole range of personal problems covering areas from physical and emotional problems, different types of behavioural disorders, through to human sexuality issues and a host of wellbeing and complementary therapy techniques.

Any problem you have that is causing you concern, anxiety or distress is a valid and appropriate reason to reach out and find a therapist and talk to them about it. Far from something to be ashamed of, acknowledging your vulnerability and asking for help is a sign of maturity and strength.

If you feel that you have a desire and are committed to making changes in your life in order to overcome your current problems and achieve more long-term satisfaction, psychological wellbeing and personal fulfilment, then you are ready to seek therapy. We are here to help you work through a wide range of therapy issues that might be troubling you.

Will Information About Me Be Safe & Secure?

It is quite normal to be hesitant when it comes to sharing private and intimate information about yourself with a stranger. You may fear that you will receive judgment from your therapist, or that your therapist will share your details with others.

HQ Therapy Rooms takes your privacy and confidentiality very seriously. Our therapists are required to keep everything said in therapy sessions between you, just like your doctor is required to keep your records private.

For therapy to be effective, there must be unconditional trust built between you and your therapist, and this relies on a shared understanding of confidentiality. It applies to the outside world as well: it is standard practice for therapists not to acknowledge their clients if they run into them outside of the therapy rooms in order to help protect their client’s confidentiality. Read our full privacy policy for more information.

Can I Contact You For Advice About Getting Therapy?

Talking about your thoughts and feelings with a supportive therapist can often make you feel better and help you face your problems. It feels good to be listened to and to know that someone cares about you and wants to help. It is important that you find a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and can build a trusting relationship to help you make positive changes in your life.

But how do you know what type of therapy is right for you? Taking the first steps in finding the right therapist can be the biggest hurdle for newcomers, so we have made it easy. Simply fill out the form below in confidence, and one of our fully qualified referral therapists can work with you to make sure you connect with the right practitioner and receive the correct therapy and counselling services you require.

Our practitioners deal with a wide range of therapy issues using different types of therapy modalities tailored for the types of clients we work with. We also cater for people who are beset with financial difficulties, offering them services ranging from low-cost therapy and reduced rate therapy, to working with seasoned, qualified and accredited talking therapists.

Mon-Fri	07:00 – 24:00
Sat	09:00 – 24:00
Sun	09:00 – 20:00