The journey to recovery begins not with a giant leap, but with a single, conscious step. For many, the biggest hurdle is the internal conflict—the part that wants to change and the part that’s fearful, uncertain, or stuck. At Pathways Treatment Center, we understand this ambivalence, and we use a powerful, evidence-based approach called Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help you navigate it.
Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, person-centered counseling style that helps you find and strengthen your own personal motivation for change. It’s not about confrontation or being told what to do; it’s a supportive conversation where your therapist acts as a guide, helping you uncover your reasons for wanting a healthier, substance-free life.
If you’re curious about what this looks like in practice, here’s a look at what you can expect from Motivational Interviewing questions and 20 examples you might encounter in a session at Pathways.
What is Motivational Interviewing?
Motivational Interviewing is a versatile approach that benefits a wide range of individuals, particularly those who may feel stuck or uncertain about change. It’s also a helpful therapeutic tool for those in an addiction treatment program. At Pathways, we find it especially effective for:
- Individuals Ambivalent About Recovery: If you are caught between the desire to change and the fear of letting go of substances, MI is specifically designed to help you navigate this exact conflict. It meets you in the “I’m not sure” stage without judgment.
- Those Who Have Experienced Previous Treatment Setbacks: If past attempts at recovery have felt forced or have been unsuccessful, MI offers a different, more empowering experience. It helps you rebuild confidence and learn from past experiences without shame.
- People with Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders: For those dealing with both substance use and conditions like depression or anxiety, MI provides a gentle way to address the addiction while acknowledging the complex role mental health plays. It helps build readiness to address both issues simultaneously.
- Clients in All Stages of Change: Whether you’re just beginning to consider change (“precontemplation”) or are already preparing for action, MI is adaptable. It helps build motivation in the early stages and strengthens commitment in the later ones.
- Individuals Feeling Pressured by External Forces: For those who entered treatment due to family, legal, or workplace pressure, MI is invaluable. It helps you separate external demands from your own internal desires, finding a personal reason to change that is meaningful to you.
- Anyone Seeking a Collaborative Therapeutic Relationship: If the idea of a therapist who lectures or dictates a plan is unappealing, MI offers a refreshing alternative. It is for anyone who wants to be an active, respected partner in their own healing process.
In short, motivational interviewing helps anyone who is seeking a respectful, effective, and empowering path to overcome ambivalence and build a life in recovery they truly value.
What to Expect from Motivational Interviewing Questions
The questions in MI are intentionally designed to be open-ended and non-judgmental. Their goal is to draw out your own thoughts and feelings, rather than imposing the therapist’s agenda. You will not be lectured or forced to admit you have a problem. Instead, you will be met with empathy and genuine curiosity as you explore your own experiences.
A core principle of MI is that ambivalence is a normal part of the change process. It’s common to simultaneously want the benefits of recovery and feel drawn to the familiar patterns of substance use. MI questions help you safely explore both sides of this conflict, reducing the defensiveness that often blocks progress.
True, lasting change is fueled by internal motivation, not external pressure. Your therapist will ask questions that help you connect the dots between your desire for change and your core values—who you want to be, what you want for your family, or the life you truly wish to lead. This process makes the “why” of recovery more powerful than the “how” of addiction.
MI meets you exactly where you are. Whether you’re just thinking about change or are ready to create an action plan, the questions will help you clarify your confidence and commitment. This collaborative approach ensures that the steps you take are ones you feel truly ready and willing to take.
Benefits of Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing is more than just a conversational technique; it’s a powerful catalyst for sustainable change. At Pathways Treatment Center, we have seen firsthand how this approach leads to profound and lasting benefits for our clients, setting it apart from more directive forms of therapy.
- Reduces Resistance and Defensiveness: Because MI is collaborative and non-confrontational, it disarms the natural defensiveness that can arise when discussing substance use. Instead of arguing, clients feel heard, which opens the door to honest self-exploration.
- Empowers the Individual: MI operates on the belief that you are the expert on your own life. This philosophy empowers you to take ownership of your recovery journey, building self-efficacy and confidence that are critical for long-term success.
- Builds Intrinsic Motivation: Lasting change doesn’t happen because someone else demands it. MI helps you uncover your own deeply personal reasons for change, making motivation internal and resilient rather than dependent on external pressure.
- Strengthens the Therapeutic Alliance: The empathetic and respectful spirit of MI fosters a strong, trusting bond between you and your therapist. This safe and supportive relationship is itself a key factor in positive treatment outcomes.
- Increases Engagement and Retention: Clients who feel actively involved in their treatment, rather than being passively told what to do, are more likely to stay engaged in therapy and complete their treatment program.
- Prepares You for Further Treatment: The self-awareness and clarity gained through MI provide a solid foundation for other therapies. Once you have solidified your “why,” you are better equipped to engage in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma work, and relapse prevention planning.
20 Examples of Motivational Interviewing Questions
The art of Motivational Interviewing lies in the spirit of the conversation, but the questions themselves are practical tools. Here are 20 examples, separated into two key categories used in our therapy sessions at Pathways.
These questions are designed to open up the conversation, inviting you to share your story, your concerns, and your perspective without limitation. They often begin with “how,” “what,” or “tell me about.”
1. What brings you here today, and what part of you is hoping for something different?
2. How do you see your current substance use affecting your life right now?
3. What are some of the things you enjoy about using, and what are the less enjoyable parts?
4. If you could imagine your life five years from now if things stay the same, what does that look like?
5. Tell me about a time when you were able to cut down or stop using. What was that like?
6. What concerns, if any, do you have about your drug or alcohol use?
7. What would be some of the good things about making a change?
8. What do you think you would lose, and what might you gain, if you decided to stop?
9. How does your substance use fit with the person you want to be?
10. What does the word “recovery” mean to you?
These questions and statements are used to highlight your strengths, past successes, and inherent worth. They build your confidence and help you see that you have the capacity for change within you.
1. You’ve shown a lot of courage by just walking through the door today. What gave you the strength to take that step?
2. You mentioned you held down a job while dealing with all of this—that shows real determination. How were you able to do that?
3. It sounds like your love for your children is a really powerful force for you. How might that strength support you now?
4. You’ve survived 100% of your worst days so far. What does that tell you about your resilience?
5. On a scale from 1 to 10, how important is it for you to make a change? …What makes it a [number you said] and not a lower number?
6. On that same scale from 1 to 10, how confident are you that you could make this change if you decided to? …What would it take to move that number up one point?
7. It seems like you have a very clear picture of what you don’t want for your future. What is the flip side of that—what do you want?
8. I hear that this feels overwhelming, and you’re still willing to talk about it. That’s a sign of real commitment to yourself.
9. What personal strengths or resources do you have that will help you succeed in recovery?
10. What is a small, first step you feel ready to take?
How These Questions Support Recovery at Pathways
At Pathways Treatment Center, these questions are not just scripted lines; they are the foundation of a therapeutic partnership. By using Motivational Interviewing, our clinicians create a safe space where you can:
- Become the expert in your own recovery.
- Resolve ambivalence without feeling judged.
- Discover and strengthen your internal motivation.
- Build self-efficacy and belief in your ability to change.
- Leave each session feeling heard, validated, and empowered.
This therapy approach ensures that the decision to pursue recovery feels like your own—a choice made from a place of self-awareness and strength, which is the most sustainable foundation for lasting change.
Find Motivation and Momentum for Recovery at Pathways Treatment Center
If you recognize the internal struggle described here, know that you are not alone, and it is a sign of readiness, not failure. The very fact that you’re wrestling with these questions means a part of you is already fighting for a healthier future.
At Pathways, we are here to help that part of you find its voice and its strength. If you’re ready to have a conversation that is truly about you, your goals, and your values, we are ready to listen.
Contact Pathways Treatment Center today to speak with an admissions specialist and learn how our Motivational Interviewing approach can help you find your pathway to recovery.
Michele is the Clinical Director at Pathways Treatment Center. Michele has over 20 years of experience in various settings including agencies, in-home, partial hospitalizations and private practice. While seeking to provide a warm, healing, and nonjudgmental environment, Michele has worked with individuals, couples and groups to help them manage stress/heal emotional wounds. She has a strong desire to gently motivate, educate, inspire and empower individuals to establish healthy emotional boundaries.
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