• A counseling style that is directive and used to help clients explore and resolve the confusion surrounding problems that may have them 'stuck' and/or slow to change.

• It is a more focused and goal-oriented style than non-directive therapy and can be used in conjunction with less directive counseling techniques.

• The examination and resolution of confusion is its central purpose, and the counselor is intentionally directive in pursuing this goal.

• A technique that was originally developed to treat substance use and addiction, motivational interviewing is being found by research to be successful in helping other life issues as well.

Content on this page from: http://motivationalinterview.org/clinical/index.html