Which technique is most commonly associated with motivational interviewing?

Motivational interviewing is a client-centered counseling approach aimed at enhancing intrinsic motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence. One of the hallmark techniques associated with motivational interviewing is open-ended questioning. This technique allows clients to express their thoughts and feelings in a deeper and more meaningful way, facilitating a greater exploration of their motivations, concerns, and aspirations.

Using open-ended questions encourages clients to engage in self-reflection and share their experiences more freely. This aligns with the principles of motivational interviewing, which emphasize collaboration and support, allowing clients to articulate their own reasons for change rather than being directed by the counselor. By using this method, practitioners can foster a more trusting relationship, leading clients to arrive at their own conclusions about the need for change and how they might pursue it.

The other techniques mentioned, while valuable in different counseling contexts, do not specifically capture the essence of motivational interviewing in the same way. Solution-focused questioning tends to direct the conversation towards solutions rather than exploring underlying motivations. Behavioral assessment focuses on understanding behaviors rather than the motivational aspects of change, and cognitive restructuring is more aligned with cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques aimed at changing maladaptive thoughts.