Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET), according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “is a counseling approach that helps individuals resolve their ambivalence about engaging in treatment and stopping their drug use.” It is a method offering more to the substance abuser than simply the traditional 12-step programs of Alcoholics or Narcotics Anonymous (AA, NA). “This approach aims to evoke rapid and internally motivated change, rather than guide the patient stepwise through the recovery process.” MET is based on principles of Motivational Interviewing (an approach developed by William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick, clinical psychologists treating problem drinkers). It elicits self-motivational statements in early discussion sessions. …show more content…
((As such, it evokes the work of educator John Dewey and psychologist Carl Rogers.)) In uniquely not reiterating the 12-step approach, it can appeal to those having problems following a rote program that does not fully speak to them. After all, the 12-step approach doesn’t work for everyone. Developing problem-solving and interpersonal skills is a core component of the therapy. Often, this is introduced early on, in order to initially get past the denial of any substance abuse problem. In a sense, the therapist is guiding the patient to see for himself that there is a problem — all based on discovering what motivates the individual to live life as he or she is currently. Enlightenment can only occur if an individual wants to learn (John Dewey), and MET is centered around this insight. Once initial resistance has been countered — by reflecting back the patient’s own statements about desiring better outcomes — learning can really take off. An introduction of behavioral techniques can be nicely mixed in to support the patient’s ability to better fend for himself when tempted by chemical or old, bad habitual