What it means
A collaborative conversation that helps people identify their own reasons, readiness, and plan for change—without pressure, judgment, or being told what to do.
ICM field application · illustrative
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Here is an example to work through. The linked source explains the idea or guest account. The next move is ICM guidance.
- Where it shows up
- A practitioner responds to ambivalence by arguing harder for a plan the participant has not chosen.
- A useful move
- Ask what matters to the person, reflect their reasons and concerns, and agree on a next step they can own. Training and feedback matter if a program claims to use the method.
- What this does not prove
- An open question is not by itself motivational interviewing, and conversation cannot supply a missing service.
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- Open-ended questions invite people to explain what matters to them.
- Affirmations recognize strengths, effort, and progress.
- Reflective listening shows understanding without judgment.
- Summaries pull together what was said and move toward action.
- Listen for goals, pathways, and motivation. Graphic source credit: Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers.
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Use the part you need next. A guest’s account, research finding, local pattern, and implementation plan answer different questions.