Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Imagine the following scenario:

A client who has been smoking for 20 years walks into a clinic for smoking cessation support. The client knows all of the health risks surrounding smoking, and yet, still smokes on a daily basis.

The client's nurse asks, "What's on your mind today?"

The client responds, "I know I should quit smoking, but it's hard - it's become a part of my day now."

Instead of scolding the client, the nurse says, "It sounds like you've been thinking a lot about this. What would make quitting worth it, for you?"

This encompasses the spirit of Motivational Interviewing (MI). MI is a person-centred counseling style that helps explore and resolve barriers to change. Rather than a structured, behavioural strategy/approach, MI uses active listening and open-ended questions to strengthen motivation and commitment.

Motivational Interviewing is considered to be a psychotherapeutic technique and is typically funded by extended health benefits and/or motor vehicle accident benefits. 

We encourage that you touch base with your insurance provider to see if psychotherapy provided by a Registered Nurse is a covered service. In some instances, insurance companies may require a prescription for psychotherapy.

Note: Registered Nurses are qualified to practice the controlled act of psychotherapy, and can use the title of 'Psychotherapist' in alignment with the guidelines set out by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). Please reach out to your insurance company to inquire if psychotherapy by a Registered Nurse (RN) is also a covered service.

For more information on the controlled act of psychotherapy, please click below.