What is the goal of motivational interviewing in a counseling context?

The goal of motivational interviewing in a counseling context is to enhance students' motivation. This approach focuses on helping individuals explore and resolve ambivalence about behavior change. By fostering an environment where students can express their feelings, articulate their goals, and discover their intrinsic motivation, counselors can effectively support them in making positive changes.

Motivational interviewing emphasizes collaboration between the counselor and the student, encouraging autonomy and empowering the student to take responsibility for their own decisions. It is particularly effective in addressing issues related to behavioral changes, such as improving academic performance, personal growth, and other areas that require motivation to change. Through this method, students can become more engaged in the process, ultimately leading to increased motivation and a greater likelihood of achieving their goals.

Other options, such as creating a structured lesson plan or assessing academic performance, do not directly relate to the primary focus of motivational interviewing, which seeks to increase motivation rather than provide direct instruction or evaluation. Similarly, evaluating educational policies is unrelated to individual motivation and behavioral change, making it distinct from the goals of motivational interviewing.