Motivational Enhancement Therapy

What Is Motivational Enhancement Therapy?

Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) is a therapeutic approach that is particularly effective in treating substance abuse disorders. However, due to its motivational nature and efficacy in building self-acceptance, MET can be used for a wide range of issues.

Motivational Enhancement Therapy is a continuation of Stephan Rollnick and William Miller’s Motivational Interviewing theory, first published in 1983. At the time, these concepts were developed as substance abuse treatment methods, given that previous approaches had proven ineffective. Instead of creating a punitive or stigmatizing response to substance abuse, Motivational Interviewing and MET sought to treat clients with empathy and collaboration, nurturing positive self-regard.

In 1989, a government-funded program called Project Match evaluated the effectiveness of Motivational Enhancement Therapy, finding MET to be a breakthrough approach in substance abuse counseling. Since 1993, Motivational Enhancement Therapy has been adopted by addiction counselors worldwide, alongside therapists who use MET in conjunction with other methods.

The Effectiveness And Application Of Motivational Enhancement Theory

As the therapeutic community began embracing MET as a substance abuse treatment in the early nineties, several clinical trials and studies were done. One such study demonstrated that motivational interventions had a significant and clinically relevant effect on physiological (72 percent) and psychological (75 percent) diseases. And the Library of Medicine found that even when used in brief, 15-minute encounters, 64 percent of participants using MET saw progress.

Since its development, Motivational Enhancement Therapy has moved into public health, criminal justice, educational systems, and athletic environments to help people achieve more self-acceptance and positive regard. And organizations including the American Psychological Association (APA), the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), among others, have demonstrated MET’s efficacy in numerous studies.

What Are The Techniques Involved In Motivational Enhancement Therapy?

Motivational Enhancement Therapy starts with understanding where the client is psychologically. In their own words, clients will describe the symptoms, behaviors, and concerns they have, working from a perspective of acceptance rather than resistance. Because MET encourages choice, it empowers the client to develop accountability and self-efficacy (otherwise known as an individual’s belief in their own abilities).

It's typical for individuals struggling with substance abuse and addiction to be resistant or defensive in treatment. Not to mention, traditional substance abuse approaches often label or diagnose clients, sometimes making them feel pathologized.

Unlike other therapies, however, MET doesn’t seek to challenge resistance. Instead, therapists using Motivational Enhancement Therapy are trained to be nonjudgmental and non-argumentative, allowing clients to empower themselves to be aware of the difference between desire and reality. MET therapists meet resistance with empathy, encouraging change with openness rather than punishments, judgments, or consequences.

The therapist’s role is to guide clients in creating plans for change and encourage them in knowing that progress is possible. Working with clients to develop skills and apply actionable steps toward change, MET therapists support genuine self-efficacy.

Motivational Enhancement Therapy offers clients hope and the understanding that meaningful change can take place—and last. Therapists using MET offer lasting recovery from substance abuse, eating disorders, anxiety, and gambling by supporting clients as they implement desired changes and integrate them into their everyday life.

Our Approach To MET

At Wilmington Psychotherapy, we believe that no matter what brings our clients to therapy, everyone can benefit from unconditional positive self-regard. That’s why our therapists are likely to incorporate Motivational Interviewing and Motivational Enhancement Therapy techniques into their counseling approach.

Because we maintain a specialization in treating substance abuse disorders, Motivational Enhancement Therapy is a bedrock of our practice. In fact, our practice primarily employs Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialists (LCASs) who use MET as a treatment approach. And one of our practice owners, Jim Doxey, has integrated Motivational Enhancement Theory since discovering the modality through Project Match in graduate school.

When our clients develop self-acceptance and empower themselves to change through unconditional positive self-regard—rather than a sense of punishment—they can make great strides in therapy. Motivational Enhancement Therapy is the key to unlocking that self-acceptance.

You Have The Power To Change

If you struggle with addictive behaviors, anxiety, or negative self-esteem, Motivational Enhancement Therapy with the counselors at Wilmington Psychotherapy can help.

For more information about MET or to schedule a free, 15-minute phone consultation with one of our therapists, call (910) 777 – 1189 or reach out via our contact form.