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What Is Motivational Enhancement Therapy?

Motivational enhancement therapy (MET) is a short-term technique used in the treatment ofalcoholandsubstance use disorders.

This approach to treatment focuses on helping people to feel more motivated to change their destructive, harmful behavior.

Focus on man’s clasped hands during counseling session

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MET integrates aspects ofmotivational interviewingand is based on thetranstheoretical model of change.

It also covers some things to consider before you try MET and how to find a MET therapist.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

Techniques of Motivational Enhancement Therapy

MET is brief and time-limited.

It typically lasts four sessions, but in some cases may last as long as six sessions.

The first session consists of an assessment.

Motivational interviewing is a counseling approach that helps people resolve their ambivalence and improve their motivation to change.

Motivational interviewing approaches to therapy focus on five key motivational principles.

It takes aclient-centered approachto encourage people to develop the intrinsic motivation to engage in the recovery process.

Some of the key benefits of this approach include:

MET is supportive, client-centered, and nonjudgmental.

Because it strongly emphasizes individual choice, it helps foster a sense of empowerment and motivation.

The effectiveness of motivational enhancement therapy can also depend on the nature of the individuals addiction.

When combined withcognitive behavior therapy, MET has also been shown to be useful for people withmarijuana addiction.

The addition of MET may help improve an individuals treatment adherence, retention, and outcome.

There is no specific throw in of psychologist who is trained to practice MET.

Motivational enhancement therapy can be practiced by any punch in of therapist.

Find out which option is the best for you.

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