NOW OFFERING TELEHEALTH VISITS

Request a Free Consultation

Toll Free (888) 560-8848

Call: 330.722.4166

Office (330) 862-8848

Toll Free (888) 560-8848

Call: 330.722.4166

Request An Appointment

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

ABOUT US

BOOK NOW

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy session at Cornerstone Wellness Center in Medina, OH, highlighting the supportive relationship between therapist and client in a nurturing environment.

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Don't Let Your Thoughts Control Your Life

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, non-judgmental approach to therapy that helps you find your own reasons and readiness for change. Rather than telling you what to do, your therapist helps you explore your values, uncover internal conflicts, and resolve the hesitation that keeps you stuck.

WHAT WE OFFER FOR YOU

At Cornerstone Wellness Center, MI is used to empower you—especially when you’re navigating habits, behaviors, or decisions you’re not quite ready to face alone.

Why Motivational Interviewing Is Used

Change is hard. Even when we want to change, part of us might be scared, unsure, or just plain tired.

MI helps you get unstuck by strengthening your internal motivation and clarifying your goals.

This approach is especially helpful for:

Substance use and addiction recovery
Health behavior changes (like eating, smoking, or exercise)
Ambivalence about therapy, recovery, or relationships

Teen and young adult counseling

Building confidence after relapse or setbacks

Any situation where change feels overwhelming or out of reach

Motivational Interviewing meets you exactly where you are—without pressure or shame.

ACT therapy session at Cornerstone Wellness Center in Medina, OH, with therapist Amanda Hill and a young African American male client in a peaceful therapy room.

ACT therapy session at Cornerstone Wellness Center in Medina, OH, with therapist Christine Zeh and a middle-aged Asian American female client in a welcoming environment.

ACT therapy session at Cornerstone Wellness Center in Medina, OH, with therapist David Reece and a Latina teen client in a bright, encouraging therapy space.

The Goal of Motivational Interviewing

The goal of MI is to help you:

Explore ambivalence and inner conflict in a safe space

Build motivation based on your values—not someone else’s agenda
Develop clarity about what you want and why it matters
Strengthen your confidence in making changes—at your pace

The process is guided by four principles: Express Empathy, Develop Discrepancy, Roll with Resistance, and Support Self-Efficacy.

How MI Helps You Make Lasting Change

MI is not about pressure. It’s about partnership. Your therapist doesn’t push—you lead. Through open conversation, gentle reflection, and respectful challenge, you build the motivation and confidence needed to take the next step.

At Cornerstone Wellness Center, we use Motivational Interviewing to support people navigating complex, uncertain changes—without judgment and without forcing a timeline.

A Simple Story:
Meet Derek

Derek is 29 and knows he drinks too much—but every time someone tells him to “just stop,” he tunes out. He doesn’t want to be told what to do—he wants to figure it out on his own terms.

At Cornerstone Wellness Center, Derek was matched with a therapist trained in Motivational Interviewing. Instead of lecturing, his therapist asked thoughtful questions and listened deeply. Over time, Derek explored what alcohol was doing for him—and what it was taking from him.

With support, Derek found his own reasons for change. And that made all the difference.

A supportive ACT therapy moment at Cornerstone Wellness Center in Medina, OH, depicting a therapist and client during a transformative breakthrough in a caring setting.

Disclaimer

The story shared above is a fictional example created for educational purposes. It does not represent a real client or actual session at Cornerstone Wellness Center. We are fully committed to maintaining your privacy and confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations. Any resemblance to real persons, living or deceased, is purely coincidental.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Motivational Interviewing?

Mindfulness-based therapy helps you manage thoughts and emotions by focusing attention on the present moment through breathing, awareness, and self-compassion.

Does MI work for addiction or recovery?

Yes. MI is especially effective in helping people who are ambivalent about quitting or changing behaviors related to substance use or other habits.

Is this therapy only for people with addictions?

No. MI is helpful for anyone facing change—whether it’s improving relationships, managing health, or overcoming procrastination or fear.

Will the therapist tell me what to do?

No. MI is based on collaboration. Your therapist helps you discover your own motivation, rather than giving advice or directions.

How long does Motivational Interviewing take?

MI can be used in brief sessions or integrated into longer-term therapy. It’s often most effective when paired with other approaches tailored to your goals.