East Point Behavioral Health: Motivational Interviewing in Massachusetts
East Point Behavioral Health specializes in applying proven motivational interviewing techniques. We have worked with many clients over the years to help them recognize the gap between their current behavior and their personal goals, which can initiate change. In order to be successful, our therapists create a comfortable, welcoming space where clients are able to work through their ambivalence without judgment.
When you start treatment at East Point Behavioral Health, you can expect a seamless transition from one therapy to the next. Motivational interviewing works well alongside other therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Your first session is built around understanding your priorities and the goals you hope to achieve. We then move forward by improving your mindset and making small behavior changes.
Our mental health treatment center offers a range of services to individuals 18 and over. If you believe that MI can help you achieve your goals, get in touch with East Point Behavioral Health today. Not only can we connect you to our MI therapists, but also we can complement this therapy with other methods, if necessary. To participate in motivational interviewing, you will need a primary diagnosis and be moving up or down in levels of care.
Do You Qualify for Mental Health Treatment in Massachusetts?
East Point Behavioral Health provides specialized mental health care in Massachusetts for adults aged 18 and older. While we do not specialize in substance use disorders (SUD), we address co-occurring conditions and can connect you with trusted SUD treatment referrals if needed. Our mission is to remove barriers to mental health care by offering immediate intervention and prompt access to treatment. Contact us today to start your journey toward mental wellness!


The Principles of Motivational Interviewing
Motivational interviewing is built on four key principles that guide the process of helping individuals explore and resolve ambivalence toward change. By following these principles, our therapists can provide effective and client-centered treatment. These principles include:
- Express empathy
- Develop discrepancy
- Roll with resistance
- Support self-efficacy
Express Empathy
Develop Discrepancy
Roll With Resistance
Support Self-Efficacy
This principle focuses on building your confidence in your ability to change. You will work with your therapist to reflect on past successes or strengths to highlight your wins and reinforce that change is possible. Celebrating small achievements is also an effective way to drive lasting motivation.
Motivational Interviewing Techniques
Open-Ended Questions
Reflective Listening
Therapists know that reflective listening is one of the most crucial skills in a therapeutic setting. It’s important for clients to feel seen and heard, and this is the same with MI. When your therapist actively listens and absorbs what you are saying, it helps build trust. This also gives your therapist the opportunity to express empathy and build a stronger therapeutic relationship.
Another reason why reflective listening is important is because it helps therapists truly understand their clients’ point of views rather than operating on assumptions. Your therapist might think they understand what you are sharing but not get it right. Reflective listening allows you to clear up any misunderstandings so that you can be supported in the best way possible.
Affirmations
Summaries
Summaries are also used by MI therapists to demonstrate that they’ve been listening and interpreting what you discussed. These summaries are used throughout your sessions, ensuring that the conversation flows and more details can be pulled from you. There are various techniques that can be used for summarizing.
“Collecting” is where your therapist gathers information and verifies that they understand it correctly. This gives you a chance to clarify important details, if necessary. “Transitioning” is another technique that can be used when moving onto a new topic or ending a session. This technique continues the conversation while also connecting other parts of your conversations to see the bigger picture.
How Motivational Interviewing Helps
Motivational interviewing is often used to treat substance use disorders. This approach helps individuals address the negative consequences of their drug or alcohol use, including the damage it can do to themselves and their loved ones. Using motivational strategies, individuals work on recognizing the underlying causes of their behaviors and develop the confidence to change. However, MI is versatile and can be used for other conditions and behaviors such as:
- Physical health conditions
- Quitting smoking
- Preventing obesity and dieting
- Managing diabetes
- Promoting safer sexual behavior
MI works in combination with other treatment options. For example, when participating in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), our therapists can include motivational interviews as a supplemental treatment. This can be especially helpful for individuals who are experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety, or generalized anxiety disorder.
The Benefits of Motivational Interviewing
Client-Centered Care
Self-Confidence
Self-Reliance and Responsibility
MI comes down to the person’s motivation to change. MI therapists provide guidance and support, but they cannot force the person to do anything. While this might sound insufficient at first, it’s actually the best approach for driving long-lasting change.
When you learn to make positive changes to your lifestyle, you become less dependent on other treatments, such as medication. While medication can treat your mental health symptoms, it doesn’t drive long-term success. Taking responsibility and making lifestyle changes based on your own motivations is the most sustainable approach.
Lifestyle Changes
Improve Your Life With Motivational Interviewing
If you or a loved one needs help with mental health, East Point Behavioral Health in Massachusetts is here to help. Our motivational interviewing techniques allows us to treat various conditions and behaviors more effectively, whether you want to quit smoking, stop gambling, or free yourself from anxiety or depression. MI can be added to your treatment plan to help you lift restrictive thinking and start taking positive steps in the right direction. Contact East Point Behavioral Health today to see how motivational interviewing can help you or a loved one overcome mental barriers and guide you on the path to lasting change.