Supporting Self-Efficacy — Motivational Interviewing

The fourth principle of MI. Self-efficacy is the client's belief that they can change. Without it, even high importance of change does not lead to action. The therapist's task is to strengthen the client's confidence through exploration of past successes, affirmations, reflection of abilities, discussion of the successes of other people in similar situations.

Step-by-step guide

Set the confidence ruler: "On a scale from 0 to 10, how confident are you that you can change [concrete thing]?"
The key question: "You said X. Why not less? What gives you this level of confidence?"
Reflect and affirm the resources that have appeared
Explore past successes: "Was there something you managed to change in your life? How did you do it?"
Offer options of the path (not directively)

When to use

In a mismatch: high importance, low confidence
When the client says "nothing will work out anyway"
In chronic unsuccessful attempts at change
In the planning process

Key phrases

You have done hard things in life. What helped you then?

Follow-up questions

You named confidence at level 4. Why not 1? What gives you this confidence?

Alternative phrasings

Many people in a similar situation have found that small steps work better than big changes all at once.

Warnings

⚠️ Do not assure the client "you will definitely succeed" — that is insincere
⚠️ Do not minimize real obstacles — acknowledge them, and look for paths beside them
⚠️ Supporting self-efficacy does not mean unrealistic optimism

Source: Miller & Rollnick, 2013; Bandura, 1997