What is Motivational Interviewing (MI)?

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a client-centered, evidence-based therapy designed to resolve ambivalence and inspire motivation for change. Instead of confrontation or pressure, MI uses empathy, collaboration, and guided reflection to help clients uncover their own reasons for pursuing recovery.

For individuals with eating disorders, MI can be particularly effective when someone is struggling to fully commit to treatment or feels conflicted about letting go of disordered behaviors.

At Virtue Recovery, MI is often integrated with CBT, DBT, family therapy, and nutritional counseling as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

5 Benefits of MI for Eating Disorders

Empowers the Client

Encourages self-driven change rather than imposing external pressure.

Builds Motivation

Helps clients find personal reasons to commit to recovery.

Resolves Ambivalence

Addresses mixed feelings about treatment and behavior change.

Strengthens Engagement

Increases willingness to participate fully in therapy and recovery.

Supports Long-Term Success

Builds internal motivation, which leads to more sustainable recovery.

Do I Have an Eating Disorder?

If you’re concerned about your symptoms, click below to take our eating disorders quiz.

How MI Works at Virtue Recovery

  • Expressing Empathy
    Therapists listen without judgment, validating the client’s feelings.

  • Developing Discrepancy
    Helping clients recognize the difference between current behaviors and their personal goals or values.

  • Rolling with Resistance
    Avoiding confrontation and instead guiding clients through ambivalence at their own pace.

  • Supporting Self-Efficacy
    Empowering clients to believe in their ability to make meaningful change.

Luxury Treatment and MI

At Virtue Recovery, clients experience MI in a safe, supportive, and luxurious setting. With private accommodations, chef-prepared meals, and holistic therapies, clients can focus fully on building motivation and strength for recovery.

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Our Las Vegas Luxury Inpatient Eating Disorder Treatment Center

Our inpatient program includes MI as part of a comprehensive therapeutic approach. Clients receive 24/7 support, combining MI with medical care, nutritional rehabilitation, and other evidence-based therapies.

MI helps clients in inpatient care engage fully with treatment, even if they initially feel resistant or unsure about recovery.

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Our Las Vegas Outpatient Eating Disorder Treatment Center

Our outpatient program integrates MI into flexible therapy sessions that allow clients to explore and strengthen motivation while living at home.

Outpatient MI services include:

  • One-on-one MI sessions

  • Group therapy with MI techniques

  • Relapse prevention planning

  • Family sessions using motivational approaches

  • Flexible scheduling for daily responsibilities

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Our Las Vegas Adolescent / Teen Inpatient Eating Disorder Treatment Center

Teens often struggle with ambivalence about recovery, making MI an essential part of our Teen Inpatient Program.

Program highlights include:

  • Developmentally appropriate MI sessions for teens

  • Family therapy with motivational techniques to build support at home

  • Peer support groups guided by MI principles

  • Academic support during treatment

  • 24/7 therapeutic and medical supervision

This approach helps teens feel heard, validated, and empowered to take ownership of their recovery journey.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Many people feel conflicted about recovery. MI helps them find their own reasons to change, making treatment more effective and sustainable.

Yes. MI is often used alongside CBT, DBT, family therapy, and nutritional counseling in eating disorder treatment.

Instead of confrontation, MI uses empathy, reflection, and collaboration to guide clients toward self-driven change.

Yes. MI is highly effective for adolescents who may feel resistant or ambivalent about treatment.

Glossary of Terms for MI Treatment

A collaborative therapy that builds motivation for change.

Mixed feelings about changing behaviors or entering recovery.

The gap between current behaviors and personal values or goals.

Understanding and validating a client’s experiences without judgment.

Confidence in one’s ability to make meaningful change.

Intensive 24/7 residential care.

Flexible therapy sessions while living at home.

Using MI strategies to engage families in supporting recovery.

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