Motivational Interviewing (MI)

What is Motivational Interviewing (MI)?

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a client-centered, collaborative approach that helps individuals resolve ambivalence and find the motivation to make positive changes in their behavior. MI is particularly effective for individuals dealing with substance abuse, health behavior change, or any situation where there is a struggle to commit to change. The key principle of MI is to evoke the client’s internal motivation rather than imposing external pressure.

How Does Motivational Interviewing Work?

MI therapists use open-ended questions, reflective listening, and empathy to help clients explore their feelings of ambivalence about change. The goal is to help clients articulate their own reasons for change, building confidence and commitment to making healthier choices. The therapist’s role is to support and guide, rather than direct or confront.

Who Can Benefit from Motivational Interviewing?

  • Individuals struggling with substance abuse or addiction
  • People dealing with health-related behavior changes, such as diet or exercise
  • Anyone experiencing ambivalence about making life changes

Motivational Interviewing is an empathetic and empowering approach that helps individuals find their own path to positive change.

Therapists in Brighton & Hove

Browse our verified therapists — many work across a range of approaches and may be able to help.

Joana Miranda Brighton

Joana Miranda

Psychotherapeutic Counsellor

I believe that feeling genuinely heard, understood, and accepted can be an important part of the therapeutic process. I aim to create a warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where you can feel safe to explore whatever may be bringing you to counselling.I know that reaching out for support can feel daunting, so I strive to make our sessions feel welcoming and comfortable. You don't need to have everything figured out before you come to counselling. We can take things at your pace and explore what feels most important to you.I am naturally a good listener and bring empathy, curiosity, and openness to my work. My aim is to support you in developing a better understanding of yourself, your experiences, and the patterns that may be affecting your wellbeing and relationships.

NCPSAccredited
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Joanna Miller Brighton

Joanna Miller

Integrative Psychotherapist

I’m an accredited psychotherapist with 15 years experience.I believe that the counselling relationship should be a creative space for both parties. It should feel comfortable and open enough to be free from anxiety and pressure in which new perspectives can emerge. In my view most mental activity takes place below the level of conscious awareness and my role is to help people gain access to it and insights from it.As an accredited therapist I am affiliated with several private healthcare companies including BUPA and AXA. I have an up-to-date DBS certificate which is registered on the update service. As well as working with individual adults, including trainee therapists, I have many years' experience working with children, couples and families. I have been a university counsellor so have a lot of experience working with students and young people and have also worked in secondary schools.  

BACPAccredited
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Sharon Twomey Brighton

Sharon Twomey

Psychotherapeutic counsellor

I’m Sharon, a qualified psychotherapeutic counsellor offering short and long term therapy across Brighton and Hove both in person and online. My work is trauma-informed and rooted in compassion, supporting adults facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, stress, and relational difficulties.My approach is deeply empathic and nurturing, blending warmth with thoughtful challenge. I offer a confidential space where you can feel held with care as you reflect, engage with difficult emotions, and begin the journey toward meaningful and lasting change.

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Thaddeus Hickman Brighton

Thaddeus Hickman

Psychotherapist

I’m an experienced, integrative psychotherapist, registered with both UKCP and BACP. I work with clients to support their immediate struggles, while also helping them understand and identify underlying and often unseen issues - a process which often leads to positive and lasting change.

BACPRegisteredUKCPRegistered
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Imogen Salt Brighton

Imogen Salt

Humanistic Psychotherapist

I offer one-to-one humanistic counselling, for adults and young people within the Brighton & Hove area. I prioritise face-to-face therapy, but offer online where needed. I am experienced, thoughtful, intuitive and warm.

NCPSAccredited
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Jaz Stroe Brighton

Jaz Stroe

Therapist / Counsellor

A Registered Member of the BACP, I've trained extensively in psychodynamic psychotherapy and counselling, working with the past, memories, dreams and the unconscious. I also volunteer with two leading mental health organisations and benefit from bi-weekly supervision to deepen my knowledge and approach.I’m also a third-culture person. I grew up in the UK with mixed Romanian and Serbian heritage. I know what it's like to perform versions of yourself while quietly feeling like someone else. Cultural identity, migration, belonging and othering are all woven into my psychology and therapeutic practice.I aim to maintain a genuinely inclusive space across culture, identity, sexual orientation, relationship structure, faith, and background. I don't work from a single script of what a person, a relationship, or a life should look like. I work within an ethic of non-harm, to self and to others, and I ask the same of the therapeutic space we share.Ultimately, I came into this work wanting to understand and aid my own mental wellbeing. I've had personal therapy for over a decade. I can only take you as far as I've gone myself, and I've gone deep. In other words, you're in safe hands, and you will be held week after week, for as long as you keep showing up.

BACPRegistered
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Counsellors who offer this type of therapy

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Discover valuable information on common mental health issues, and how counseling can help.

Grief and Loss

Abuse and Trauma

Addiction

Developmental Conditions

Relationships and Families

Emotional Health Issues

Eating and Body Image

Personality Challenges

Child and Youth Concerns

Stress and Anxiety

Health Conditions

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