Motivational Interviewing in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing: Principles, Techniques, and Clinical Application
Overview
This paper examines motivational interviewing (MI) as a treatment method in psychiatric-mental health nursing, exploring its core principles and practical applications. The author analyzes how MI's client-centered approach—emphasizing collaboration, evocation, and respect for autonomy—aligns with nursing ethics and enables better health outcomes. The paper discusses key MI concepts including the spirit of practice, OARS communication skills, and the four processes that guide effective implementation.
What this literature review covers
- Introduction to MI as treatment method for substance abuse and behavioral change
- The MI spirit framework focusing on collaboration, acceptance, compassion, and evocation
- OARS communication skills: open questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries
- Historical context of MI within psychiatric nursing evolution from institutional to community-based care
Preview
Summary of Miller’s Motivational Interviewing
Leslie Ibezim
D’Youville University
NUR-707: Foundation of PMH for APRNs I
Dr. Lisa Morelli Daly, PhD, PMHNP
January 18, 2026
Summary of Miller’s Motivational Interviewing
The purpose of this paper is to examine the essence and practice of motivational interviewing (MI) as a treatment method in nursing. Created to solve the issue of substance abuse, MI became a flexible method that allows patients to overcome ambivalence and commit to constructive alterations in their behavior. This approach is client-centered and focuses on collaboration, evocation, and respect for autonomy, aligning closely to nursing ethics that prioritize patient dignity and self-determination. Through a combination of empathy and strategic communication, MI can also enable the nurse to direct individuals to better health outcomes without imposing directives. Understanding MI is a vital part of contemporary psychiatric-mental health nursing, where the historical evolution from institution-based care to community-based support has increased the significance of effective motivational techniques. To demonstrate the relevance of the spirit of MI, the main concepts, including OARS, elicit-provide-elicit, and other resonant ideas, like the four processes, will be discussed.
The motivational interviewing spirit serves as the guiding principle to its practice, which focuses on collaboration, acceptance, support, and evocation to achieve intrinsic motivation in the clients (Miller & Rollnick, 2013). Partnership is the willingness to work with the client as an equal, without dictatorial techniques that have potential of hindering progress. The acceptance helps to affirm the unconditioned value, autonomy, and growth possibilities of the client.