Motivational Enhancement Therapy is based on which techniques?

Motivational Enhancement Therapy is based on which techniques?

• A. Based on client-centered, systems, and social-psychological persuasion techniques
• B. Based on psychoanalytic theory
• C. Based on rigid, prescriptive directives
• D. Based on pharmacotherapy only

Answer: (A)

Motivational Enhancement Therapy relies on engaging the client in a collaborative, respectful conversation that centers the client’s own values and goals. It draws from client-centered counseling and social-psychological persuasion techniques to boost motivation by exploring ambivalence, evoking change talk, and supporting autonomy. The therapist uses empathy, reflective listening, open-ended questions, affirmations, and concise summaries to help the client articulate personal reasons for change and to align that change with their environment and life context. This approach is about guiding and eliciting intrinsic motivation rather than directing or prescribing, which is why it’s not based on psychoanalytic theory, rigid, prescriptive directives, or pharmacotherapy alone.

Motivational Enhancement Therapy relies on engaging the client in a collaborative, respectful conversation that centers the client’s own values and goals. It draws from client-centered counseling and social-psychological persuasion techniques to boost motivation by exploring ambivalence, evoking change talk, and supporting autonomy. The therapist uses empathy, reflective listening, open-ended questions, affirmations, and concise summaries to help the client articulate personal reasons for change and to align that change with their environment and life context. This approach is about guiding and eliciting intrinsic motivation rather than directing or prescribing, which is why it’s not based on psychoanalytic theory, rigid, prescriptive directives, or pharmacotherapy alone.