Motivational interviewing is a counselling method that involves enhancing a patient's motivation to change by means of four guiding principles, represented by the acronym RULE: Resist the righting reflex; Understand the patient's own motivations; Listen with empathy; and Empower the patient.

Motivational intervention is described as a directive, patient-centered counseling style that enhances motivation for change by helping patients clarify and resolve ambivalence about behavior change. This type of therapy helps patients refocus on their goals in life and restructure the important things in their life.

At the core of counseling and psychotherapy is the issue of motivation or volition, presumably because positive and lasting results most likely occur when a client becomes actively engaged and personally invested in change (Overholser, 2005; Ryan & Deci, 2008).

Motivational Interviewing may not work well in treatment for trauma or depression. The patient needs to be ambivalent about changing their behavior, habits or lifestyle; MI doesn't work well if you're already highly motivated to make a change—or on the flip side, if you absolutely don't believe you have a problem.