Though William Miller is a psychologist, his work with Stephen Rollnick on Motivational Interviewing (MI) has extended far beyond the confines of my original field. 

I’d like to share some insights from his book “Motivational Interviewing” that I believe can revolutionise the way allied health clinicians engage with patients in rehabilitation settings. It’s about harnessing a fundamental truth: 

“People are more likely to be persuaded by what they hear themselves say.”

Bridging Psychology and Physiotherapy

Though the bridge between psychology and physiotherapy may seem long, the journey across it is well-traveled. The principles of MI, rooted in psychological practice, are profoundly relevant to physiotherapy. At their core, they empower individuals to find their own reasons for change, which can be incredibly potent when applied to physical rehabilitation.

The Power of Empathetic Engagement

In the context of physiotherapy, your empathetic engagement can be transformative. It’s not about convincing patients to follow your regimen; it’s about guiding them to articulate their own motivations for sticking with a treatment plan. When a patient voices their determination to heal, they are laying down the psychological foundations for their physical recovery.

The Magic of Self-Motivation

When patients seek treatment, they’re often at a low point – in pain, frustrated, and sometimes skeptical about recovery. It’s the clinician’s job to light the path forward, but the real secret is this: the best motivation doesn’t come from us; it comes from within the patient and that makes motivation very unique. The clinicians task is to help the patient find their inner well of motivation and tap into it.

The Conversational Dance

Think of your patient interactions as a dance. In this dance, you’re not leading; you’re following. Your patient sets the rhythm, and you move in harmony. Ask them what they love to do, what they’re missing out on, and what their goals are. It’s not just about getting back to ‘normal’; it’s about reclaiming the life they love.

Listening to Understand

There’s a difference between listening to reply and listening to understand. Patients can feel that difference. When they talk about their struggles and you really listen – not just with your ears but with your heart – that’s when they start to listen to themselves too.

The Questions We Ask

The questions we ask can transform a conversation. Instead of asking, “Will you do these exercises?” perhaps we could ask, “How do you feel these exercises might help you get back to gardening?” It’s not about instructing; it’s about discovering together. Their answers can become their commitment.

The Ripple Effect of Empathy

Empathy is the stone thrown into the pond of patient care – its ripples touch every aspect of healing. When patients feel understood, they open up. They share. They begin to trust not just us, but the process and, most importantly, themselves.

In Their Words

Encourage patients to voice their progress. Let them tell you what’s working and what’s not. When they articulate their journey, they’re more likely to believe in it. And belief is a powerful medicine.

Integrating MI into Physiotherapy

As you navigate the recovery process with your patients, consider the tenets of Motivational Interviewing as your compass. You are not just restoring function; you are helping to rebuild a life disrupted by injury or illness. By drawing on MI, you can turn each session into a step towards not just physical recovery, but towards a renewed sense of self-efficacy and agency in your patients.

So consider taking these principles from the psychologist’s consulting room to the treatment room. Engage in conversations that matter, that heal, that motivate. As you do, you’ll find that the most profound changes often begin not with a stretch or a strengthening exercise, but with a simple, open-ended question that invites your patients to discover their own path to wellness.