When it comes to therapy techniques for substance use and mental health, there are a lot of options. It can be challenging to understand the different methods, such as motivational interviewing (MI). Is it part of behavioral therapy? How do Motivational Interviewing vs CBT really compare? Read on to learn more!
Is Motivational Interviewing CBT?
Motivational interviewing (MI) is a goal-focused approach that falls under the heading of behavioral therapy. However, it is not specifically associated with CBT, which stands for cognitive behavioral therapy. Instead, MI is its own form of psychotherapy. The gist of the approach is having individuals define their personal motivations to outline goals that can be worked towards and achieved. People with substance abuse and mental health challenges often struggle with future thinking. Thus, MI is beneficial for a wide range of people to help them develop the incentive to progress in healthy ways.
What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
CBT is a popular therapy method that focuses on replacing negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with positive ones. The root of CBT believes that our thoughts, feelings, and actions drive our life, but negative ones keep people trapped in unhealthy patterns. Thus, CBT first defines a person’s negative areas and works on revising them for renewed wellness and a fulfilling future. Notably, CBT is similar to dialectical behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy, combining some of their methodology.
Motivational Interviewing vs CBT: What’s the Difference?
As mentioned, cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing are separate behavioral therapy techniques. Although they both focus on changing one’s behaviors, CBT looks at the origins behind actions, which are thoughts and feelings. It emphasizes changing negative thoughts to heal the root behind the following emotions and actions.
On the other hand, motivational interviewing emphasizes changing a person’s motivation and willingness to change through goal-setting. Sessions are spent discussing why they want to change and harnessing their deep desires.
Important to note is that motivational interviewing techniques are often added to one’s CBT plan, as they work well in tandem.
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How Does Psychotherapy Help with Mental Health and Addiction?
Psychotherapy is an important element of recovery for mental disorders, behavioral disorders, and substance abuse disorders. In fact, it is one of the three core facets of healing, which are traditional therapy, holistic recovery, and medication. We follow this comprehensive approach to healing in our recovery centers by building all three elements into our programming. Each of our guests participates in a custom service plan outlining how each element can be tailored to their goals. In short, psychotherapy helps individuals improve their health of, their relationships, and their mental and emotional processing. As a result, they are better equipped to move through the world and face challenges.
Who Offers CBT and Motivational Interviewing?
Professional mental health providers, such as rehab centers, are able to provide behavioral therapy like CBT and MI. In fact, we offer such programming at our treatment centers around the United States. With options for both inpatient and outpatient care, we’ll look at your situation and help you receive treatment for your concerns.
Finding Professional Psychotherapy Near Me
You can find more information about our treatment center locations on our website. Some of our facilities offer medical detox and residential inpatient treatment. Others focus on transitional chapters of healing, like outpatient rehab and aftercare. We’re happy to answer any of your questions on a call.
Questions about treatment options?
Our admissions team is available 24/7 to listen to your story and help you get started with the next steps.
