Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)

Motivational Enhancement Therapy

Motivational Enhancement Therapy is an approach to addiction counseling that motivates drug and alcohol abusers to stop using. MET focuses on increasing intrinsic motivation by raising awareness of a problem, adjusting any self-defeating thoughts regarding the problem, and increasing confidence in one’s ability to change. Instead of identifying a problem and telling a person in therapy what to do about it, the therapist encourages a person in therapy to make self-motivating statements that display a clear understanding of the problem and a resolve to change.  

How Does Motivational Enhancement Therapy Work?

Motivational Enhancement Therapy is a counseling approach that helps individuals resolve their ambivalence about engaging in treatment and stopping their drug use. This approach aims to evoke rapid and internally motivated change, rather than guide the patient stepwise through the recovery process. This therapy consists of an initial assessment battery session, followed by two to four individual treatment sessions with a therapist. In the first treatment session, the therapist provides feedback to the initial assessment, stimulating discussion about personal substance use and eliciting self-motivational statements.

Motivational interviewing principles are used to strengthen motivation and build a plan for change. Coping strategies for high-risk situations are suggested and discussed with the patient. In subsequent sessions, the therapist monitors change, reviews cessation strategies being used, and continues to encourage commitment to change or sustained abstinence. Patients sometimes are encouraged to bring a significant other to sessions.

Goals Of Motivational Enhancement Therapy

MET focuses on increasing intrinsic motivation by raising awareness of a problem, adjusting any self-defeating thoughts regarding the problem, and increasing confidence in one’s ability to change. Instead of identifying a problem and telling a person in therapy what to do about it, the therapist encourages a person in therapy to make self-motivating statements that display a clear understanding of the problem and a resolve to change.

MET is based on five motivational principles that are designed to guide the therapist’s work with an individual in therapy:

Express empathy: Therapists create a supportive environment in order to help an individual feel accepted and respected, and they engage in reflective listening rather than direct confrontation. The therapist will listen to what an individual is saying and then reflect it back, with slight but deliberate modifications. The modifications both let the individual know that the therapist has heard and understood and encourage the individual to elaborate.

Develop discrepancy: In MET, the therapist directs attention toward the discrepancy between an individual’s desired state of being and that individual’s actual state of being. This discrepancy may help aid in recognizing the ways that current behaviors hinder one from achieving goals, and it can also provide a strong incentive for behavior change.

Avoid argumentation: A therapist will avoid attacking an individual or an individual’s behavior, as this is thought to result in defensiveness and resistance. Other, gentler methods are used to raise awareness of any problems, and any statements regarding a need for change should come from the individual, not the therapist.

Roll with resistance: Instead of directly confronting any resistance on the part of the individual, the therapist tries to defuse it, often through reflective listening or by simply going along with what an individual is saying. This approach may seem counterintuitive, but it decreases the odds of further defensiveness and may make it more likely that an individual will remain in therapy and benefit from other aspects of the intervention.

Support self-efficacy: One’s motivation to change typically depends not only on the reasons for modifying behavior but also on the belief that one is able to perform the tasks required for change. One aspect of a therapist’s role is to help individuals become aware of their ability to successfully undertake the actions needed for change

Benefits Of Motivational Enhancement Therapy

Research has consistently demonstrated the efficacy of MET in increasing one’s readiness to stop drug use, reducing the severity of substance use, and in lengthening periods of abstinence. Preliminary evidence also indicates that MET may be useful in enhancing the treatment of other conditions, such as anxiety, eating disorders, and problem gambling. This type of therapy may even be of help to persons who are at risk of developing these conditions.

MET can be used regardless of an individual’s commitment level. It has been shown to be particularly effective when an individual has a strong resistance to change or is not strongly motivated to change. An example of this is in the case of substance abuse, as individuals who abuse drugs and alcohol may often find it difficult to stop using due to the reinforcing effects of these habits. MET’s focus on rapid change also makes it suitable for cases where the therapist has only limited contact with an individual.

For More Information about Addiction Recovery or Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET), Call Us Oak Forest Recovery specialists at 1-888-597-6257, or submit the form below.

Source:

https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/evidence-based-approaches-to-drug-addiction-treatment/behavioral-therapies/motivational-enhancement-therapy

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Family Therapy for Addiction Recovery

As the family member of someone who struggles with addiction, you are likely a driving force behind your loved one’s decision to get help. We honor you as an individual who will be deeply impacted by your family member’s treatment experience. Therefore, we include you in the process and provide meaningful opportunities for your own personal growth and healing. Our approach to working with family and friends is layered and comprehensive. We understand that your schedules and geographic locations may pose some limitations in terms of how you are able to participate, so we make several options available.

Issues like addiction, intimacy disorders, eating disorders and mental illness can tear families apart. If one member is struggling with addiction or behavioral health problems, the entire family is struggling in some way. Research shows addiction and mental health treatment is more effective when family members are actively engaged in the recovery process. The Oak Forest mental health treatment programs involve family members so that everyone can recover together.

What is Family Therapy?

Overall, family counseling is a type of talk therapy that helps relatives resolve conflicts. Additionally, families learn skills for strengthening their relationships and getting through hard times. Each person has the opportunity for further emotional support as well. Licensed therapists provide this service to our families. As a part of treatment, therapy might include every family member or only those willing to participate.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration recommends that families are involved in treatment. Studies suggest that addiction treatment is more effective when it includes family therapy. Family support plays an important role in the success of people recovering from addiction and mental health issues. Family participation can:

  • Increase the chances people stay in treatment
  • Improve social and family relationships
  • Help prevent relapse

Family-based approaches address the client’s primary substance abuse or mental health disorder during the recovery process. Treatment programs focus on improving family communication and addressing conflicts. They also educate loved ones on co-occurring disorders or substance use disorders. There’s extensive research on the role of family programs in addiction treatment. While much of this research is specific to adolescents, similar principles apply to all ages and types of behavioral health problems. Drug and alcohol abuse and other behavioral health issues put the entire family under immense stress. The Oak Forest Recovery family programs are both educational and therapeutic. Activities and topics help families learn more about addiction and mental illness, while connecting them with people experiencing similar struggles. Knowing other families are struggling with the same issues can be empowering.

Don’t let mental health, trauma, substance abuse, or any other issue destroy your family. Seek help to rebuild your relationships. Reach out to Oak Forest Recovery, Agoura Hills, California today at 1-888-597-6257 or submit the form below to begin your journey.

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