About motivational interviewing
Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, goal-oriented approach that helps you explore and resolve mixed feelings about change. Below you can browse therapists who list Motivational Interviewing among their clinical approaches to find someone whose focus and style match your needs.
What to compare in entries
| Credentials | A US state licence, or membership of a professional body such as BACP or NCPS. They are different kinds of thing; each profile shows what was supplied. |
|---|---|
| Focus | Whether motivational interviewing is listed as a main focus or among the wider list of areas. Entries show both. |
| Way of working | The approaches named on the entry. Two people working with the same concern can describe very different sessions. |
| Time in practice | Years in practice, as supplied. A fact to weigh, not a ranking. |
| Language | The languages sessions can be held in, where that matters to you. |
Common questions
How were these entries chosen?
Everyone listed on this page names Motivational Interviewing among the approaches they told the platform they use. They are not ranked, rated or endorsed by this directory, and the order is not a recommendation.
Do I need a referral to start?
No. You can contact a therapist through their entry directly. A GP referral is not required for independent online therapy.
What if the first therapist is not right?
Changing therapist is normal and expected, and can be done at any point. One session is a small sample of how someone works.
Entries for motivational interviewing
Savithri (Savi) Jayaweera, NCPS
Ref 151058
Compassionate counsellor for complex life challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English, Hindi, Sinhala
View listingJames French, BACP
Ref 203032
Practical support for anxiety and life transitions
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingDr. Paula Alvarez, LCSW
Ref 29756
Compassionate clinical social worker with practical tools
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Anger Languages: English
View listingSimon Nelson, BACP
Ref 281876
Calm, straightforward support for everyday challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Grief Languages: English
View listingDavid Potts, LCSW
Ref 23255
Practical, compassionate therapy for life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingIvy Medow, LPC
Ref 300506
Practical counseling for life transitions
Works with: Family, Self esteem, Career Languages: English
View listingCaroline Woodford, BACP
Ref 203033
Person-centred counselling with practical tools
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Eating Languages: English
View listingDanielle Horn, LMSW
Ref 272733
Focused therapy that digs to the root
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingKizzie Wells-Daniels, LPC
Ref 67515
Therapist for stress, parenting, and life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Parenting, Anger Languages: English
View listingFrank Centonze, LPC
Ref 297421
Direct, practical counseling for emotional recovery
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingLauren Anzelone, LCSW
Ref 70436
Supportive LCSW guiding practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Anger, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingJudith Ramsay, BACP
Ref 135275
Counselling that focuses on practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem, Career Languages: English
View listingFaryal Choudry, LCSW
Ref 266995
Compassionate guidance for stress and relationships
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship Languages: English
View listingSherry Ramsey Hansen, LPC
Ref 352558
Collaborative counselor focused on practical progress
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingDestiny York, LPC
Ref 340789
Compassionate, practical counseling for life changes
Works with: Addictions, LGBT, Relationship Languages: English
View listingSarah Anderson, NCPS
Ref 133882
Practical support for stress and life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingCecile Terrelonge, BACP
Ref 134582
Person-centred counsellor offering practical support
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Family Languages: English
View listingJoshua Plantz, LMHC
Ref 10378
Practical, goal-focused counseling for life challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingMichael Witham, LPC
Ref 56161
Practical, person-focused counseling for daily struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Anger Languages: English
View listingDianna Wheeler, LPC
Ref 354614
Practical support for healing and stronger coping skills
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingJohn Swearengin, LPC
Ref 93490
Practical support for stress, addiction, and mood
Works with: Addictions, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingClaudia Santiago, LCSW
Ref 149793
Practical, collaborative therapy for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English, Spanish
View listingRogenna Robinson, LPC
Ref 105891
Calm, practical support for life transitions
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingMaria Wilson, LCSW
Ref 138055
Understanding, practical support for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingVivian Fleming, LPCC
Ref 88191
Practical support for trauma and mood challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingColette Mattos, BACP
Ref 138095
Relationship and self-esteem focused counsellor
Works with: Relationship, Family, Parenting Languages: English
View listingPaul Bryan, LPC
Ref 175985
Compassionate counselor guiding steady change
Works with: Family, Self esteem, Career Languages: English
View listingCarson Gerber, LPC
Ref 27651
Compassionate practical therapy for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Parenting Languages: English
View listingGerry Byrne, BACP
Ref 224563
Practical, collaborative therapy for daily struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship Languages: English
View listingKelley Sullivan, LCSW
Ref 526
Compassionate, practical therapy for real life struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English, Spanish
View listingAquila Rives, LPC
Ref 68305
Practical therapy for trauma, stress, and relationships
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Grief, Parenting Languages: English
View listingDr. Robert Hunt, LPC
Ref 187307
Experienced therapist for life changes and emotion work
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship Languages: English
View listingPatrick Gribel, LMHC
Ref 348422
Therapist focused on depth and steady change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Self esteem Languages: English, Portuguese
View listingJamie Finkelstein, LPC
Ref 16744
Compassionate counselor for practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingCarlisle Bergquist, LCMFT
Ref 194649
Gentle, experienced therapist focused on relationships
Works with: Relationship, Family, Intimacy-related issues Languages: English
View listingLesley Schmaltz, LCSW
Ref 95757
Calm, collaborative therapy with an experienced LCSW
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Family, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingChase Carter, LCSW
Ref 330670
Skilled LCSW focused on relationships and recovery
Works with: Addictions, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingDanielle Morgan, BACP
Ref 144635
Compassionate listener who helps people move forward
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingLisa Fairclough, BACP
Ref 160254
Practical, values-focused support for change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingFarah Southwell, LPC
Ref 203059
Practical, experienced therapist for life’s hard moments
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English, Haitian Creole
View listingPeter Bramhill, BACP
Ref 236747
Practical, compassionate counselling for life’s challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Family, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingJatindar Bhogal, BACP
Ref 116956
Calm, experienced support for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English, Punjabi
View listingTkeyah Whaley, LCSW
Ref 256644
Practical support for stress and relationships
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingMary Ann Skender, LICSW
Ref 119678
Compassionate, practical therapy for life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship Languages: English
View listingBrittany Meredith, LCPC
Ref 310847
Practical support for stress and life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingKaren Eldridge, LPC
Ref 12713
Compassionate, practical counseling for real life challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingAnthony Skerritt, LMHC
Ref 96096
Hopeful, practical counseling for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingBrandi Garner, LPC
Ref 209377
Practical, sex-positive counseling for adults
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Intimacy-related issues Languages: English
View listingMore about motivational interviewing
What Motivational Interviewing Is and the Principles Behind It
Motivational Interviewing is a conversational approach that centers on helping you move through ambivalence toward decisions and actions that align with your values. At its core it emphasizes partnership and respect for your autonomy, aiming to draw out your own motivations rather than imposing persuasion. Practitioners focus on listening in ways that reflect and clarify your thoughts, asking open questions that invite reflection, and responding with empathy to strengthen your sense of agency. The style is intentionally collaborative - you and the therapist work together to explore how change could fit within your life, what barriers might exist, and how you might take steps that feel authentic.
Several guiding principles shape how sessions unfold. Therapists typically seek to express empathy through reflective listening, develop discrepancy between your current behavior and broader goals, roll with resistance rather than argue, support self-efficacy by highlighting your strengths, and evoke change talk - the language you use when imagining or committing to change. These elements form a practical framework that keeps the conversation focused on your priorities while minimizing judgment and pressure.
Common Issues Where Motivational Interviewing Is Used
Motivational Interviewing is applied across a wide range of concerns where ambivalence is common and personal motivation is a key factor. You will often find it offered alongside work on substance use, smoking cessation, and behaviors related to health such as diet and medication adherence. It is also used in contexts like managing chronic conditions, improving sleep habits, and supporting lifestyle changes that reduce risk or improve well-being. Beyond health behaviors, Motivational Interviewing can support changes in interpersonal patterns, employment or educational goals, and engagement with other therapeutic strategies.
Because the approach centers on eliciting your reasons for change, it is particularly useful when you feel torn between competing priorities or when motivation fluctuates over time. Practitioners tend to adapt the conversational techniques to the issue at hand, integrating MI-consistent language and questions into broader treatment plans or single-session interventions. You should expect the focus to be on what is important to you personally and how potential change might fit into your life story.
What a Typical Motivational Interviewing Session Looks Like
A typical session begins with the therapist inviting you to share what brought you in and what you hope to achieve. The tone is generally open and nonjudgmental, with the clinician using reflective listening to summarize and mirror your statements. Early in the work you may map out where you feel stuck, describe both advantages and disadvantages of changing, and explore past attempts at change. The therapist will often ask open-ended questions that encourage you to weigh options aloud and to articulate your own reasons for considering change.
Practically, sessions often include tools like scaling questions to assess motivation or confidence, and focused reflections that highlight your strengths and past successes. Rather than prescribing steps, the therapist helps you generate your own options and may support you in creating small, achievable goals that build momentum. Over time the conversation shifts from exploring ambivalence to planning and reinforcing commitments. If you are combining Motivational Interviewing with other therapeutic approaches, MI techniques might be used initially to strengthen your motivation before moving into skills training or behavioral interventions.
Session Length and Structure
Sessions commonly follow the typical therapy length of forty-five to sixty minutes, but the conversational style makes MI adaptable to briefer consultations or to longer, ongoing work. You should expect flexibility in pacing and focus, with the therapist checking regularly that the agenda reflects your priorities. The emphasis is on collaboration, so your feedback about what is and is not helpful will shape each meeting.
How Motivational Interviewing Differs from Other Approaches
Motivational Interviewing is distinct in its explicit focus on ambivalence and on eliciting intrinsic motivation rather than directing behavior change through instruction. In cognitive-behavioral approaches the therapist may more directly challenge unhelpful thoughts and assign behavioral experiments. In psychodynamic work the emphasis might be on exploring unconscious patterns and early relationships. By contrast, MI prioritizes the conversational moves that invite you to voice your own reasons for change and to make decisions consistent with your values.
Another difference lies in how resistance is handled. Where some models treat resistance as an obstacle to overcome, Motivational Interviewing reframes it as information about your perspective and invites curiosity. The therapist uses reflective responses to acknowledge hesitation, which often reduces argument and can open new pathways to change talk. MI also tends to be shorter-term or to serve as a preparatory phase that enhances engagement with other therapies, because strengthening your commitment early can make subsequent interventions more effective.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing can be a good fit when you are unsure about change or when past ambivalence has stalled progress. If you find yourself weighing pros and cons, putting off decisions, or feeling pulled in different directions, MI techniques are designed to help you clarify what matters most and to move toward action at a pace that feels manageable. The approach is also appropriate if you prefer a collaborative conversation rather than directive instruction, or if you want to focus specifically on behavior change in the context of other concerns.
People at different stages of readiness can benefit because the method respects where you are and helps you find personally meaningful reasons to move forward. It is also commonly used with individuals who are engaging with health systems or other services and need support shifting habits. If you value an approach that foregrounds your voice, emphasizes choice, and looks for small steps you can take now, Motivational Interviewing may be worth exploring.
How to Find the Right Therapist Who Uses Motivational Interviewing
When searching for a therapist who lists Motivational Interviewing among their approaches, pay attention to how they describe their focus areas and therapeutic style. Look for clinicians who mention working with the specific issue you want to address, such as substance use, health behavior change, or life transitions, and note whether they emphasize collaborative methods and goal-oriented conversations. Review their professional background and the populations they describe serving, including age groups, cultural competencies, and languages offered, so you can identify someone whose experience aligns with your needs.
Reading therapist profiles can give you a sense of whether their communication style resonates with you. Consider whether they highlight listening, shared decision-making, and practical goal-setting as part of their work. It can be helpful to think about logistical preferences too - whether you favor in-person or online sessions, session length, and whether you would like integration with other supports. Many therapists include a brief statement about their approach and what clients can expect, which can help you decide who to contact. When you reach out, you can ask about how they incorporate Motivational Interviewing into their work and what a starting session typically looks like, so you enter the first meeting with clear expectations.
Finding the right match can make a meaningful difference in how effective the conversations feel. By focusing on approach, relevant experience, and the flexibility they describe, you can identify a therapist who is likely to help you explore ambivalence and move toward change in a way that fits your life and values.