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Intrinsic motivation is a much sought-after quality. “Perhaps no single phenomenon reflects the positive potential of human nature as much as intrinsic motivation, the inherent tendency to seek out novelty and challenges, to extend and exercise one’s capacities, to explore, and to learn” (Ryan & Deci, 2000, p. 3). When we do something we love

Why do we behave the way we do? Can the answer to this question help us change our less desirable behaviors? Changing less desirable behaviors can help individuals, communities, and our environment. However, behaviors can be highly ingrained and become habits we perform automatically without thinking. This poses a significant challenge to changing these behaviors.

Have you ever had a conversation with a friend and been persuaded to make a positive change? Think back now. What was it they said that helped you make a decision? Or was it perhaps how they said it that had an impact? Did you notice anything about their style? Without knowing it, you were

Helping people change unhealthy or damaging behavior is one of the most significant challenges therapists face (Hall, Gibbie, & Lubman, 2012). When encouragement to stop harmful behaviors (heavy drinking, smoking, etc.) or to adopt a healthy lifestyle (exercise, taking medication, following a better diet) is ignored, it can be frustrating. Yet, in their Stages of

Even if we know changing our behavior is good for us, change involves chartering unknown territories, putting forth effort, and letting go of familiar habits. The mixed feelings we have about change can often get us stuck in ambivalence, which is where motivational interviewing can be most powerful. The pioneering humanistic psychologist Carl Rogers (1995,

Clients seeking professional help from a counselor or therapist are often aware they need to change yet may not be ready to begin their journey. Professional consultation aims to understand the challenges and concerns of the client while recognizing that they already have much of what’s needed within them (Miller & Rollnick, 2013). For change

Motivation is a powerful predictor of change in recovery. In recent years, addiction treatments have shifted away from punitive methods and abstinence protocols toward a focus on motivation and change-based interventions (Miller & Rose, 2009). One such intervention is Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET). MET is a behavioral intervention designed to help clients with substance use

Are you in a caring profession? If so, do you ever feel preoccupied with the suffering of the people you work with? In a helping role, we get up close with the trauma and suffering of clients and patients to try to understand their perspective and resonate with their pain. Compassion is a wonderful gift

Bullying is certainly an unusual yet interesting phenomenon. If you ask most people, they are likely to say that they have been the victim of a bully. They may even admit to being the bully. Others will tell you they have been a bully–victim. This is the dual experience of being the bully and the