What kind of counseling approach can help students overcome reluctance to change?

Motivational interviewing is particularly effective in helping students overcome reluctance to change because it focuses on enhancing an individual's motivation to change. This approach involves a collaborative and empathetic dialogue between the counselor and the student, allowing the student to voice their concerns, ambivalence, and motivations. By exploring these feelings, students can develop a greater awareness of their desire for change, which fosters an intrinsic motivation that is crucial for taking steps toward self-improvement.

In contrast, while cognitive-behavioral therapy can address underlying thoughts and behaviors that contribute to reluctance, it tends to be more structured and focused on problem-solving rather than fostering motivation. Directive counseling involves guiding students toward specific solutions without necessarily addressing their emotional ambivalence, which might not effectively encourage students to embrace change. Solution-focused therapy often emphasizes goal-setting and finding immediate solutions, which can overlook the process of uncovering the underlying reasons for resistance to change. Thus, motivational interviewing stands out as the most suitable approach to specifically support students in overcoming their ambivalence and fostering a willingness to change.