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Motivational enhancement therapy

Motivational enhancement therapy (MET) is a therapeutic approach used to help people enhance their motivation to change. It was developed by psychologist William R. Miller and is based on the principles of motivational interviewing. The goal of MET is to increase your motivation to change unwanted behaviors while also addressing any ambivalence you may have about making those changes. This therapy will meet you where you are at and assist you with any barriers that may be getting in the way of positive, healthy change.

What to expect from motivational enhancement therapy

MET is a brief, solution-focused form of psychotherapy that emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and encourages self-directed change. Your Geode therapist will work with you to identify the motivations behind your want for change so that you can decrease unwanted behaviors and recognize potential barriers and solutions to achieving your goals.

Through this process, your therapist will help you become aware of the importance of making changes and empower you to create a plan for success. They will also provide support when needed, as well as strategies for dealing with any resistance that may arise during the process.

MET techniques

Motivational enhancement therapy uses the practice of motivational interviewing (MI) as a core part of its structure. Motivational interviewing is a counseling approach designed to help you explore and resolve any mixed feelings about changing your behaviors.

The four core principles of motivational interviewing are:

  1. Expressing empathy: Your Geode therapist will work to understand and accurately reflect your feelings, thoughts, and experiences back to you without judgment.

  2. Developing discrepancy: By exploring the discrepancy between your current behavior and your desired goals, you can begin to identify areas for change.

  3. Avoiding argumentation: Your Geode provider will work to better understand your reasons for being “stuck” and help you resolve the underlying thoughts behind them.

  4. Rolling with resistance: Rather than trying to overcome any resistance that may arise during the process, your therapist will instead use it as an opportunity to explore and understand these feelings.

How long does MET last?

Traditional motivational enhancement therapy was designed to be a more focused, shorter term type of therapy. The length of therapy is ultimately dependent on your needs and goals and your Geode provider will work with you to determine how many sessions are necessary to achieve your desired outcomes. Throughout those focused sessions, your therapist will work with you to move through the “stages of change” (pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation for action, action, and maintenance) so that you can make lasting wanted changes to your behavior.

Conditions motivational enhancement therapy can help treat

Motivational enhancement therapy can help treat a variety of behavioral and mental health conditions including:

  • Substance abuse

  • Weight loss

  • Behavior change

  • Eating disorders

  • Depression

  • Anxiety disorders

  • Trauma-related disorders

  • Anger issues

  • Stress-related conditions

Benefits of MET

MET can be an excellent form of therapy if you are looking for help solving specific behavioral problems or unwanted patterns. It has been found to be especially beneficial in treating addiction, improving communication skills, and managing stress.

Because MET focuses on your individual motivations and strengths, it also allows you to work towards achieving your goals in a way that is tailored to your needs and preferences. This can help make the process of change much easier and more successful. Additionally, because of its solution-focused approach, MET can be accomplished relatively quickly allowing you to start reaping the benefits sooner than with other forms of therapy.

Find the right therapist for you at Geode Health

If you are looking for help making positive changes in your life, our Geode therapists can help. Motivational enhancement therapy is a powerful tool that can empower you to create lasting change and improve your mental health and overall well-being. Our therapists will provide a supportive, non-judgmental environment that allows you to explore your motivations and develop strategies for achieving your goals. With their help, you can move through the process of change in a way that is tailored to your individual needs and preferences.

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