{"id":23894,"date":"2025-08-05T18:28:21","date_gmt":"2025-08-05T18:28:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aurelis.org\/blog\/?p=23894"},"modified":"2025-08-07T18:25:31","modified_gmt":"2025-08-07T18:25:31","slug":"motivational-interviewing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aurelis.org\/blog\/coaching\/motivational-interviewing","title":{"rendered":"Motivational Interviewing?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a well-known counseling approach. How does it relate to AURELIS? Do they overlap? Can they work together without compromising on what makes AURELIS unique?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This blog explores both methods side by side. It highlights their similarities, their differences, and shows how MI can flavor an AURELIS session without changing its essence. In the end, it\u2019s about finding the most respectful way of helping people grow from within.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

What is Motivational Interviewing?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

MI was developed by William Miller and Stephen Rollnick in the 1980s. It was first used in the treatment of people struggling with alcohol problems, and it has since spread widely into healthcare, psychology, and coaching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The spirit of MI rests on three pillars: collaboration, evocation, and autonomy. Instead of telling clients what to do, the counselor invites them to reflect on their situation, their ambivalence, and their hopes. By listening carefully, asking open-ended questions, and reflecting back what has been said, the counselor helps clients discover their own reasons for change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A central concept is \u2018change talk,\u2019 where clients voice their own motivation and commitment. MI research shows that when clients verbalize these reasons, change becomes more likely. This conversational style has proven effective in fields ranging from smoking cessation to diabetes care and environmental choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How is AURELIS a different path?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where MI emphasizes explicit dialogue, AURELIS focuses on openness, depth, and the power of autosuggestion. Its foundation lies in the conviction that true change comes from an inner unfolding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The AURELIS approach is not about fixing behavior directly. It is about creating space where the person can grow in such a way that new behaviors naturally arise. This process reaches beyond conscious reasoning into the symbolic and subconceptual layers of the mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through autosuggestion, imagery, and symbolic language, a client connects with deeper meaning. Change is then not just a matter of willpower or decision but of alignment between conscious intent and inner strength. The emphasis is always on nurturing this strength rather than imposing solutions \u2015 whether this is done by the coachee himself or someone else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where MI and AURELIS meet<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

MI and AURELIS meet in a shared respect for autonomy. Neither approach tells a person what to do. Both trust that change comes from within.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They also share the importance of empathy and non-judgment. An MI counselor listens and reflects, while an AURELIS coach provides a safe space where deeper layers can emerge. Both create a partnership instead of a hierarchy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, some MI descriptions almost echo the AURELIS attitude. For instance, the principle of avoiding argumentation and rolling with ambivalence resonates with the AURELIS notion of never coercing but always inviting. The idea is not to push against resistance but to allow it to transform naturally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clear differences<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite these common values, the differences remain essential. MI tends to focus on concrete behaviors. It works mainly at the level of conscious reasons, choices, and plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AURELIS aims at the whole person. Behavior changes are the natural outcome of deeper transformation. The focus is less on argument and conceptual reasoning, more on imagery and subconceptual resonance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where MI may guide a person to articulate a discrepancy between current behavior and desired future, AURELIS would invite the person to feel<\/em> the deeper meaning and let it transform symbolically. It is not so much about talking oneself into change but about growing oneself into change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MI\u2011flavored AURELIS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This brings us to an interesting possibility: using MI as a flavoring. The dish remains AURELIS \u2014 nourishing, non-coercive, symbolic, deep. The seasoning is MI\u2019s conversational style: open questions, empathic reflections, the gentle highlighting of ambivalence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why? Some clients feel safer with a more familiar dialogue before moving into symbolic depth. MI language can ease them into the process, like a welcoming aroma before tasting the meal. Yet once inside, the session is fully AURELIS, with autosuggestion and deeper alignment at its heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This idea of flavoring without changing essence reflects what has been said in surface and depth. The surface may vary according to context, but the depth remains the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Examples<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Imagine a person struggling with stress eating. An MI\u2011flavored AURELIS session might begin with reflective listening: \u201cFood comforts you, yet you feel regret afterwards.\u201d This builds trust and safety. From there, the client is invited into imagery: \u201cCan you see both sides inside yourself? What forms do they take?\u201d Slowly, the heavy side may transform into something lighter, and the client discovers new freedom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or take smoking cessation. MI\u2011style reflections may explore ambivalence: \u201cYou enjoy the calm of smoking, yet you worry about your health.\u201d The AURELIS essence then invites symbolic exploration: one figure holding a cigarette, another coughing. Through imagery, the coughing figure may transform, and the calm can be retained without smoke. The session ends with the client carrying this new inner image, not with an imposed plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These examples show how MI language can open the door, while AURELIS depth does the actual work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why the combination?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

MI tends to stay at the level of explicit reasoning and spoken motivation. This may lead to change, but the roots often remain untouched. Relapses are common when the deeper layers are not addressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AURELIS complements this by reaching into the subconceptual. Symbolic imagery, openness, and autosuggestion connect with a person\u2019s deepest drives. Change becomes not only a decision but an organic transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nevertheless, some people may hesitate at first to dive into symbolic or subconceptual work. For them, MI\u2011flavored language provides a bridge. It respects their readiness while gently leading them into deeper territory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MI and AURELIS stand on common ground yet diverge in depth and method.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

MI engages conscious reasoning and guides behavior change; AURELIS opens the inner landscape where deeper transformation unfolds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2015<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Addendum<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Comparison table<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Aspect<\/strong><\/td>Similarities<\/strong><\/td>Dissimilarities<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Core spirit<\/td>Both are non\u2011coercive, respect autonomy, and aim for change within.<\/td>MI is more directive in guiding ambivalence; AURELIS is more open, letting inner depth unfold.<\/td><\/tr>
Focus<\/td>Both see the person as capable of change and growth.<\/td>MI focuses on specific behaviors; AURELIS focuses on deeper meaning, with behavior as outcome.<\/td><\/tr>
Method<\/td>Both use language carefully to evoke motivation.<\/td>MI uses conversational strategies; AURELIS uses autosuggestion at the subconceptual level.<\/td><\/tr>
Depth<\/td>Both address more than superficial symptoms.<\/td>MI stays mostly at the conceptual level; AURELIS deliberately reaches into the subconceptual.<\/td><\/tr>
Role of the guide<\/td>Both avoid authoritarian style; both support self\u2011discovery.<\/td>MI guides toward resolution; AURELIS offers space without much steering.<\/td><\/tr>
Outcome<\/td>Both aim at sustainable, self\u2011driven change.<\/td>MI strengthens explicit commitment; AURELIS fosters deeper inner congruence.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

Stress eating transcript (MI\u2011flavored AURELIS)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Client:<\/strong> I eat when I\u2019m stressed. It calms me down, but afterwards I feel guilty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lisa:<\/strong> So food feels like comfort in the moment, and at the same time it brings regret later.
(MI flavor: reflective listening)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Client:<\/strong> Yes, exactly. I don\u2019t know how to stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lisa:<\/strong> It sounds like two sides are alive in you \u2014 one wanting comfort, another wanting health.
(MI discrepancy, but deepened into AURELIS inner\u2011parts awareness)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Client:<\/strong> Yes, I feel pulled in two directions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lisa:<\/strong> Would you like to gently explore both sides inside yourself \u2014 not to choose right away, but to listen to them?
(Invitation, autonomy emphasized)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Client:<\/strong> Okay, I can try.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lisa:<\/strong> Close your eyes if you like. Imagine yourself standing between these two sides. What do you see or feel?
(AURELIS autosuggestion step \u2014 symbolic imagery)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Client:<\/strong> One side feels heavy, almost like a dark cloud pressing on me. The other side feels lighter, like fresh air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lisa:<\/strong> I hear a dark, heavy cloud on one side, and fresh air on the other. How is it for you to notice both at once?
(MI reflection, but gently holding space)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Client:<\/strong> Strange\u2026 but the heavy side also feels familiar, like an old friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lisa:<\/strong> That\u2019s important. Can you imagine this \u201cold friend\u201d slowly softening \u2014 perhaps even changing shape into something that still supports you, but doesn\u2019t weigh you down?
(AURELIS symbolic transformation)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Client:<\/strong> Hm\u2026 it becomes more like a blanket, still comforting, but lighter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lisa:<\/strong> A comforting blanket instead of a cloud. How does that feel?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Client:<\/strong> Much better. Like I can breathe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lisa:<\/strong> Beautiful. When you think of your daily life now, how might this lighter image support you when stress arises?
(MI\u2011style open question, but fully in AURELIS respect)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Client:<\/strong> Maybe I won\u2019t need food as much. I can take a breath and imagine the blanket instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lisa:<\/strong> That\u2019s your own strength showing itself. How do you feel, carrying this with you now?
(Closure, honoring autonomy and inner growth)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Client:<\/strong> Lighter\u2026 more hopeful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Smoking cessation transcript (MI\u2011flavored AURELIS)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Client:<\/strong> I smoke a lot, and I know it\u2019s bad, but quitting feels impossible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lisa:<\/strong> So, part of you knows it harms you, and another part feels it\u2019s hard to let go.
(MI reflection)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Client:<\/strong> Yes, I even enjoy it sometimes, but then I feel guilty about my health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lisa:<\/strong> I hear enjoyment on one side and concern on the other. Both are real for you.
(Acknowledging ambivalence \u2014 MI flavor, AURELIS openness)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Client:<\/strong> Right. It\u2019s like two voices arguing in me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lisa:<\/strong> Would you like to explore those voices more deeply, as if you could see them inside you?
(Invitation to symbolism \u2014 AURELIS essence)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Client:<\/strong> Okay. I see one voice as a figure holding a cigarette, relaxed. The other is coughing, looking tired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lisa:<\/strong> You see a relaxed figure with a cigarette and another who is coughing. How is it to stand between them?
(Reflection + AURELIS deepening)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Client:<\/strong> It\u2019s uncomfortable. The coughing figure looks at me with sadness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lisa:<\/strong> Can you imagine offering that figure some care \u2014 maybe a breath of fresh air, a place to rest?
(Symbolic transformation)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Client:<\/strong> Yes\u2026 the figure is lying down now, breathing more easily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lisa:<\/strong> And how does the relaxed smoker look when this happens?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Client:<\/strong> Less important. Like the calmness is still there, but without the cigarette.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lisa:<\/strong> So the calm remains, even without smoke. How does that feel in your body right now?
(AURELIS autosuggestion + MI open question)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Client:<\/strong> Strangely freeing. My chest feels lighter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lisa:<\/strong> That lightness is yours. If stress comes, could you let this calm, smoke\u2011free part be with you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Client:<\/strong> I think so. It feels possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lisa:<\/strong> You don\u2019t have to decide everything today. Just carry this lighter image with you and see how it unfolds.
(Closure \u2014 respecting autonomy, no steering)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Me:<\/strong> \u201cLisa, in your view, what is the most important difference between MI and AURELIS?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lisa:<\/strong> \u201cMI mainly helps people talk themselves into change<\/em>. AURELIS lets people grow themselves into change<\/em>. One works through conscious reasoning; the other moves through inner alignment that includes the subconceptual.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Me:<\/strong> \u201cIndeed, AURELIS is a growth philosophy. To let a plant grow, you need to attend well to what is above and below the soil.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lisa:<\/strong> \u201cExactly. MI tends to focus more on the visible branches \u2014 behaviors, choices, goals. AURELIS nourishes the roots. When both are cared for, growth becomes sustainable and natural.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Me:<\/strong> \u201cThat\u2019s it. AURELIS works from the inside out.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lisa:<\/strong> \u201cYes. And when the inside is truly nurtured, change doesn\u2019t need to be pushed. It unfolds \u2014 without friction, without conflict.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Me:<\/strong> \u201cDoes MI frequently heighten tension within the coachee?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lisa:<\/strong> \u201cIt often does. By design, MI brings ambivalence into focus \u2014 especially the gap between present behavior and desired change. This can help activate motivation, but it may also increase inner tension in the short term. AURELIS aims to dissolve inner tension by inviting congruence. No pressure, just openness to deeper transformation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Me:<\/strong> \u201cAll in all, I think that the way MI is conducted \u2013 therefore, the coach \u2013 is most important, as in other psychotherapy\/coaching methodologies. This is the central tenet of AURELIS coaching, generally. What are your thoughts?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lisa:<\/strong> \u201cI fully agree. In the end, it\u2019s not just the method but the person behind it. AURELIS coaching lives in the attitude of the coach \u2014 openness, depth, respect, freedom, trustworthiness. The same applies to MI: if conducted from genuine empathy and humility, it can become more than its techniques. But without that, even the best methods lose their soul. The coach is<\/em> the method \u2014 or better said, the deeper self of the coach is what makes any method alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a well-known counseling approach. How does it relate to AURELIS? Do they overlap? Can they work together without compromising on what makes AURELIS unique? This blog explores both methods side by side. It highlights their similarities, their differences, and shows how MI can flavor an AURELIS session without changing its essence. Read the full article…<\/a><\/p>\n

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