Motivational Interviewing

Nebraska State Probation has incorporated a Motivational Interviewing (MI) approach with probationers.  This method is a probationer-centered, directive method for facilitating change by helping probationers explore and work through their own conflicts of ideas or attitudes. This helps prepare probationers for substance abuse treatment, as well as giving the probation officer a better understanding of a probationer’s motivations and readiness for change.
           
The chances of probationers experiencing successful outcomes are increased with the proper utilization of MI, which includes incorporating open-ended questions, affirmations, reflective listening and summaries.