How it works in practice 

An MI session feels different from traditional counseling. Instead of the therapist directing the conversation, you’ll notice they ask thoughtful, open-ended questions. They’ll reflect back what you say, so you can hear your own motivations more clearly. And together, you’ll begin to sketch out what change might look like in your life. 

Sessions often follow four guiding steps: engaging, focusing, evoking, and planning. First, trust is built. Then, specific goals are identified. From there, the therapist helps you explore your own reasons for wanting change. Finally, small, realistic steps are planned. This structure ensures that every conversation moves you closer to recovery at your own pace.

How MI supports the whole recovery journey 

Motivational interviewing is woven into many of our programs.  

• You might meet with a therapist during medical detox, when motivation is often at its lowest. They can help you understand what your recovery journey will look like.  
• In residential treatment, daily therapy helps clarify goals. Once you're sober, it can be easy to get overconfident. Motivational interviewing can help you stay realistic and make progress for the right reasons.  
• And, in aftercare support, where relapse prevention becomes vital. Maintaining your recovery will take work, and you won't always have motivation. MI can help you stay the course. 

It’s also a powerful tool in treating co-occurring disorders like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. When motivation feels low, MI provides a gentle way to get started. By pairing MI with therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication-assisted treatment (MAT), we create recovery plans that are both structured and deeply personal. 

Reframing setbacks 

Recovery is rarely a straight line. When slips or relapses happen, MI can help you see them not as failures but as opportunities to learn. Together with your therapist, you’ll explore what triggered the setback, what you discovered about yourself, and how to move forward stronger. 

At the heart of MI is communication that puts you in the driver’s seat. When you return after a relapse, therapists use the same empathy, reflective listening, and affirmations they did when you first started. This approach mirrors our philosophy at Sheridan Grove Recovery: that lasting healing begins with respect, compassion, and genuine human connection. 

What to expect in our program 

Motivational interviewing is just one tool we use to help clients in our Aurora, CO, center. When you start at Sheridan Grove Recovery: 

• You’ll begin with an assessment so we can understand your needs and goals. 
• MI may be added to your individual and group therapy plan. 
• You’ll work on skill-building, trauma healing, and healthy communication alongside MI. 
• Together, we’ll create an aftercare plan to keep you supported once you leave our campus. 

Our 24/7 admissions team and transportation services make it simple to begin treatment. We accept both commercial insurance and Medicaid, so you can get the help you need without worrying about finances. 

Outcomes and evidence for motivational interviewing 

Motivational interviewing has been studied extensively and is considered an evidence-based therapy. Research shows that MI helps people stick to treatment earlier in the process when they're more likely to drop out of programs. It also shows that skilled MI therapists may be more effective because they spark "change talk." 

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recommends MI as an evidence-based therapy for enhancing motivation for change. Motivational interviewing isn't just a guess at what works; it's a proven method for helping people with substance use disorder.