Motivational interviewing (MI) is a counseling approach that was initially applied to address drinking behavior. At its core, it helps reduce patients’ ambivalence and move them toward action through use of their own intrinsic motivation.

Over the years, MI has been applied broadly across different health domains to help shape outcomes. The approach can be particularly beneficial when working with patients who are perceived to be stuck and not making satisfactory progress in treatment. This presentation will introduce the audience to MI, review the concepts underlying it, and discuss its specific application in pain settings.