What aspect of the client's experience does motivational interviewing aim to strengthen?

Motivational interviewing is a client-centered counseling style that seeks to enhance a person's motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence. The primary aim of this approach is to create motivation to commit to change. This is achieved by helping clients articulate their own reasons for wanting to change, increasing their confidence in their ability to make that change, and fostering a sense of autonomy.

Through reflective listening and open-ended questions, the therapist empowers the client to identify their values and goals, which in turn can promote intrinsic motivation. This sense of ownership over the change process helps clients feel more invested in their recovery and more likely to take meaningful steps toward their goals.

Other options do not align with the core principles of motivational interviewing. For instance, fostering dependency on the therapist contradicts the goal of promoting self-efficacy and independence. Similarly, avoidance of personal issues runs counter to the constructive exploration required in motivational interviewing, as addressing ambivalence and personal experiences is crucial. Lastly, striving for uniformity in client responses undermines the individualized and adaptive nature of motivational interviewing, which values each client's unique perspective and readiness for change.