Motivational Enhancement Therapy In Denver, Colorado

Motivational enhancement theory (MET) encourages individuals to face maladaptive behaviors and change. MET, as part of comprehensive addiction treatment, is an effective way to help individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs) and co-occurring conditions improve their lives by learning how to make behavioral changes. MET is one of the numerous drug addiction therapies in Colorado that Mile High Recovery Center offers to our clients when providing long-term, individualized addiction, mental health, or dual diagnosis treatment.

Mile High Recovery Center opened with one sober house in 2016. We have quickly grown to nine homes and a recovery treatment center. We specialize in individualized, thoughtful, and supportive treatment plans curated to each client’s unique needs, goals, and circumstances. Call 303-268-2144 to learn more about our motivational enhancement therapy in Denver, Colorado, from our caring and compassionate team of professionals.

The Goals Of Motivational Enhancement Therapy In Denver, Colorado

MET was created in 1993. It is based on the principles of motivational psychology and includes methods related to motivational interviewing (MI). Those who engage in self-destructive behaviors are often ambivalent or have little motivation to change behaviors. The goal of MET is to help clients overcome ambivalence and resistance to change. Other goals include:

  • Encouraging self-awareness that change can occur
  • Fostering inherent motivation by increasing awareness of destructive behaviors
  • Learning to regulate overwhelming thoughts about maladaptive behaviors
  • Encouraging clients to make positive statements about the understanding of maladaptive behaviors
  • Motivating clients to decide to change

 

At Mile High Recovery Center’s motivational enhancement therapy in Denver, Colorado, a trained therapist incorporates the style and techniques of MET into a structured therapeutic approach that involves a thorough assessment of the behaviors and systematic feedback about each client. Rather than identifying a problem and telling a client what to do about it, the therapist encourages the client to make self-motivating statements demonstrating a clear understanding of the problem and a determination to change.

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The Principles Behind MET

Although MET can be used as a stand-alone treatment, it is best utilized as a component of a comprehensive treatment plan. Motivational enhancement therapy in Denver, Colorado, can also be beneficial as a pretreatment to increase a client’s motivation to engage in other forms of treatment. Motivational enhancement therapy utilizes a set of principles designed to guide the therapist, including:

  • Express empathy – Create a supportive environment to make clients feel accepted and respected while engaging in reflective listening rather than confrontation.
  • Develop discrepancy – Direct attention toward clients’ desired and actual states of being to recognize how current behaviors detract from achieving goals.
  • Avoid argumentation – Steer clear of debating with clients about their SUDs or conduct because this may lead to defensiveness and pushback.
  • Accept resistance – Diffuse resistance through reflective listening or simply going along with what clients say without confronting it.
  • Support self-efficacy – Help clients develop an awareness of their ability to successfully undertake the actions needed for change.

MET is non-confrontational and nonjudgmental. Instead of teaching specific skills or guiding clients through change, the MET therapist assumes that clients have the resources needed for change and helps them implement these resources to affect the desired outcome.

The Benefits Of Motivational Enhancement Therapy In Denver, Colorado

Motivational enhancement therapy is beneficial because it helps clients overcome their ambivalence about entering treatment to overcome substance use disorder. Other key benefits include:

  • It works quickly – Motivational enhancement therapy is designed to take place over four to six sessions.
  • It reduces resistance – The lack of persuasion tactics such as coercion and confrontation helps reduce the level of resistance from clients.
  • It emphasizes choice – Rather than giving directives, the MET therapist helps clients build awareness and make choices independently.

 

Motivational enhancement therapy is client-centered and supportive. It increases motivation and a sense of empowerment by emphasizing personal choice.

Find Motivational Enhancement Therapy In Denver, Colorado, At Mile High Recovery Center

Located in the Congress Park neighborhood in Denver, Mile High Recovery Center offers a wide array of therapies to support and foster recovery. In addition to MET, we provide cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, and more. If you are on the fence about committing to treatment, motivational enhancement therapy can help you. Contact Mile High Recovery Center today at 303-268-2144 to speak with someone from our caring and compassionate team about MET and other therapies we provide in Denver, Colorado.

Begin Outpatient Rehab at Mile High Recovery Center Today

In Denver’s City Center neighborhood, Mile High is here to help you thrive throughout the Denver Metro area. If you or someone you love is ready to take the next steps towards recovery, call us today at 303-268-2144 to learn more about our outpatient programs.