Which modality emphasizes exploring and enhancing a client’s motivation to change?

• A. Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• B. Motivational interviewing
• C. Contingency management
• D. Medication-assisted treatment

Answer: (B)

This item focuses on recognizing which therapy centers on exploring and boosting a client's motivation to change. Motivational interviewing treats ambivalence as a natural part of the change process and works with the client in a collaborative, nonjudgmental way to surface their own reasons for changing. Its techniques—open-ended questions, reflective listening, affirmations, and summarizing—are all aimed at eliciting change talk and helping the client see the discrepancy between their current behavior and personal goals. The goal is to strengthen intrinsic motivation and the client’s commitment to change, rather than imposing reasons to change or using external incentives.

This stands in contrast to other approaches that focus on different mechanisms: cognitive-behavioral therapy mainly teaches skills and strategies to alter thoughts and behaviors; contingency management uses external rewards to reinforce desired behaviors; medication-assisted treatment relies on medications to support recovery. Motivational interviewing’s emphasis on exploring, evoking, and reinforcing internal motivation makes it the best fit for fostering genuine readiness to change. It’s also commonly used as a stepping stone to engage clients in further treatment once motivation has been enhanced.