5 Ways Motivational Enhancement Therapy Can Work For You
Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) is a person-centered therapeutic approach used to boost someone’s motivation to change. It’s often used to help people who are dealing with addiction or substance abuse. However, it can also be used to help with conditions like anxiety or eating disorders. Whether you’ve heard of MET or not, it’s important to know how it can work for you so you can determine if it’s the right treatment option for your needs.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at how MET works and how it can benefit you.
1. It Can Help You Decide if You Need Treatment
Many people who are struggling with addiction or certain disorders are on the fence about whether they need intense therapy or some kind of medication to help them get through. One of the great things about MET is that it can help you come to those conclusions on your own. Because it’s person-centered therapy, no one will suggest you go a specific route. You’ll work through your issues on your own and decide what your next steps should be.
2. You’ll Get to the Root of Your Issue
Motivational Enhancement Therapy can also help you realize what you’re actually struggling with. During your first MET session, your therapist will interview you about where your behaviors stemmed from. That can serve as a sort of wake-up call to spark your motivation to change. People who deal with depression and/or anxiety often have to go back to the root cause of their conditions to begin the healing process, and addictive behaviors are really no different.
3. It Can Help You Stop Your Harmful Behaviors
Not only does MET encourage you to take positive steps toward treatment, but it can also serve as the motivational tool you need to stop abusing drugs or alcohol or to stop participating in harmful behaviors. The ultimate goal is to motivate you to make better decisions and stop being indecisive about the potentially damaging behaviors you’re participating in. Therapy and treatment programs are great for that, but when you’re suddenly motivated to stop those behaviors, you’re more likely to stick with a treatment plan and stay strong long after you’ve completed it.
4. It’s Fast
Typically, Motivational Enhancement Therapy is only a few sessions. In the first session, your therapist will interview you about what you’re struggling with and get a basic history. From there, they will work with you to create a plan as you go forward. The next 2-4 sessions will be used for you to contemplate your next steps, determine what your course of action will be, and finally take action one way or another. It’s a quick and effective way to motivate yourself to make positive changes in your life.
5. You’re In Control
One of the problems people sometimes have with traditional therapy is that they feel pressured into it by family members, friends, or a medical professional. In some cases, that’s necessary. That’s especially true if you’re struggling so much with your mental well-being that making sound decisions is hard. However, MET puts you in the driver’s seat. That feeling of control over whether or not you should attend therapy or get extra help can make your decision much easier. Without that extra pressure and weight, you’ll likely make smarter, clearer decisions with your general well-being in mind.
Not everyone has to follow the same routes and patterns when dealing with addiction or other damaging behaviors. MET can help you determine the best plan of action for your situation. If you are interested in learning more about Motivational Enhancement Therapy and how it can work for you, don’t hesitate to contact us.