Motivational interviewing is an evidence-based communication approach that supports the behaviour change conversation in a supporting and encouraging way (Rollnick & Miller, 1995).

As motivational interviewing is based on working together collaboratively, one of the core skills is showing empathy. Empathy is the foundation where it helps us build trust and rapport with others, and then this can help us navigate difficult or tricky behaviour change conversations with others…

What is empathy?

Empathy is having the ability to understand (as best as we can), what the other person might be experiencing, thinking or feeling – we’re imagining what it must be like for them and accepting their story, their perspective, their experience, their narrative without the judgement… 

For some individuals, empathy comes naturally, but empathy is a skill that we can all work on developing to help improve our interactions with our clients, peers and loved ones.

So what can we do to develop our empathy skills?

  • actively listen: the intent of empathy is to understand first, NOT reply
  • try and feel with the person (not for them): we’re trying to understand their experience
  • see the world through their eyes: imagine what it’s like to walk in their shoes
  • be non-judgemental: even if we disagree with the other person’s perspective/opinion/idea – empathy is not about wishing to be right, but seeking to understand where the other person is coming from
  • be curious: we’re open to chatting to new and/or different people who have a different life, opinions, experiences and/or world view and we’re open to learning
  • try not to make assumptions or jump to conclusions: we’re asking questions that encourage conversation
  • be honest with yourself: we’re checking our own privilege or bias, and asking ourselves whether it’s colouring our view of the world…

Empathic reflection also includes re-examining our own attitudes towards others. It’s about reflecting on our own perception of people from a range of diverse backgrounds which not only helps us to improve our own empathy, but also helps us more meaningfully connect with others…

Want to learn more? Want to improve your empathy skills and overall increase your knowledge, confidence and skills in motivational interviewing?

If you would like to learn more about empathy and the other key skills of motivational interviewing, as well as how to engage and communicate with your clients that will motivate them for change, rather than against it, then sign up for our upcoming one day training on motivational interviewing.

Alternatively if you would like a session on motivational interviewing presented in your workplace, please contact us today.

Our training programs are ideal for professionals who would like to offer extended support (or brief intervention depending on time), and would like to increase their skills, knowledge and confidence in motivational interviewing to enable them to do this.

Applying the principles of motivational interviewing in every client consultation is possible and achievable. Let us show you how.

We hope you enjoyed this article and until next time wishing you all great health and wellbeing!

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REFERENCES:

Miller WR & Rollnick S (2002). Motivational interviewing: preparing people for change. 2nd ed. New York (NY): Guilford Press.

Miller WR & Rollnick S (1991). Motivational Interviewing: Preparing People to Change Addictive Behavior. New York (NY): Guilford Press.

Rollnick S, Miller WR & Butler C (2008). Motivational interviewing in health care: helping patients change behavior. New York (NY): Guilford Press.

Rosengren DB (2009). Building Motivational Interviewing Skills: A Practitioner Workbook. New York (NY): Guilford Press.

The Empathy Initiative (2025). https://theempathyinitiative.org/