Which statement about motivation in counseling is most accurate?

Which statement about motivation in counseling is most accurate?

• A. It uses a standardized script to direct all sessions.
• B. It focuses on external rewards only.
• C. It ignores client concerns.
• D. Motivational interviewing enhances intrinsic motivation and readiness by exploring ambivalence and supporting autonomy.

Answer: (D)

Motivation to change grows when the counselor collaborates with the client and helps them explore their own reasons for change, rather than directing or lecturing. Motivational interviewing embodies this by being client-centered and nonjudgmental, inviting ongoing exploration of ambivalence about change and supporting the client's sense of choice. This approach emphasizes autonomy and elicits change talk, which strengthens intrinsic motivation and increases readiness to change. Unlike methods that rely on a fixed script, emphasize external rewards, or ignore client concerns, motivational interviewing stays focused on the client's own values and goals. Therefore, it best describes enhancing intrinsic motivation and readiness through ambivalence exploration and autonomy support.

Motivation to change grows when the counselor collaborates with the client and helps them explore their own reasons for change, rather than directing or lecturing. Motivational interviewing embodies this by being client-centered and nonjudgmental, inviting ongoing exploration of ambivalence about change and supporting the client's sense of choice. This approach emphasizes autonomy and elicits change talk, which strengthens intrinsic motivation and increases readiness to change. Unlike methods that rely on a fixed script, emphasize external rewards, or ignore client concerns, motivational interviewing stays focused on the client's own values and goals. Therefore, it best describes enhancing intrinsic motivation and readiness through ambivalence exploration and autonomy support.