Motivational Interviewing for the part of you that feels stuck
When you’re torn between wanting change and feeling unsure how to get there, I use motivational interviewing to slow the conversation down. It’s a thoughtful way to look at ambivalence without forcing it aside.
How I use it
I use motivational interviewing to explore ambivalence in a way that feels respectful and clear. The conversation stays centered on your reasons, your hesitations, and the choices that feel possible right now. It can stand on its own or work alongside medication management and cognitive behavioral therapy, depending on what we’re talking about. I’m not pushing a script, I’m paying attention to what matters to you and what feels realistic.
I help you sort through what matters when change feels complicated.
Who it tends to suit
People often come in knowing they want something to shift, but feeling mixed about what that actually means. They may be tired of the way things have been going, yet not feel ready to make a sudden move. Sometimes it’s a habit, a medication question, a family issue, or a pattern they can see but can’t seem to change. The push and pull can feel exhausting, especially when other people are urging them to act faster than they’re ready to. This work often starts with uncertainty, not clarity.
- Part of me wants change, and part of me doesn’t.
- I keep talking myself out of making a decision.
- I know something needs to shift, but I freeze.
- I’m tired of circling the same issue.
What the first sessions look like
The first sessions are about understanding what you’re weighing, what feels important to you, and what makes change feel hard. I’ll ask open questions and listen for the parts of the story that matter most, without asking you to commit before you’re ready.
I offer a free 15-minute consultation. I reply as soon as I can, usually within 1 business day.
What I use it for
- DepressionPeople feeling stuck, flat, or worn down by depression.
- Bipolar DisorderPeople dealing with mood shifts, energy changes, or mixed emotions.
- PTSDPeople living with the aftereffects of trauma and overwhelming stress.
- Mood DisordersSadness, emptiness, guilt, or hopelessness getting in the way.
- Psychotic DisordersFear, confusion, or changes in how reality feels day to day.
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)Trouble focusing, organizing, or keeping up with daily demands.
Questions people ask
Is motivational interviewing the same as being told what to do?
No. It’s a conversation that helps you sort through mixed feelings and decide what matters to you.
Can this help if I keep going back and forth about a decision?
Yes, that’s often why people use it. We spend time on the push and pull instead of rushing past it.
Do I need to already know my goals before starting?
No. The first sessions can help you figure out what you’re actually aiming for and what feels unclear.
Can motivational interviewing be used with therapy or medication visits?
Yes. I may use it alongside other parts of care when it helps us talk through change and next steps.