Motivational Interviewing originated from which therapeutic approach?

• A. Behaviorism
• B. Person-Centered Therapy
• C. Psychoanalysis
• D. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Answer: (B)

Motivational Interviewing is rooted in the client-centered approach, which centers on the client’s own values and autonomy. In this tradition, the therapist uses empathic, nonjudgmental listening and reflective responding to build a collaborative partnership, creating a safe space where the client feels understood and empowered to explore change. MI adopts these core conditions—empathy, acceptance, and respect for autonomy—while adding selective, skillful techniques to help the client resolve ambivalence and evoke intrinsic motivation for change. The other approaches focus on different mechanisms—behaviorism on external reinforcement, psychoanalysis on unconscious processes, and CBT on modifying thoughts and behaviors—so they don’t originate MI.