Motivational interviewing in compassion‐based interventions: Theory and practical applications

Abstract

BackgroundDefinitions of compassion include aspects of motivation, commitment, and action. Compassion‐based interventions designed to cultivate compassion and self‐compassion incorporate various practice and behavioural change goals. This article proposes that motivational interviewing (MI), which has been extensively used as a prelude to other psychological and health‐related treatments to enhance behavioural change outcomes, could be used in a similar way to enhance outcomes of compassion‐based interventions.MethodsThis article provides an overview of definitions of compassion, common compassion‐based interventions as well as their structure and behaviour change components, and describes MI as an approach to enhancing motivation, commitment, and action around these behaviour change components.ResultsThree main compassion‐based interventions were reviewed, namely Compassion‐Focused Therapy, Mindful Self‐Compassion, and Compassion Cultivation Training. It was identified that at least four aspects of motivation, commitment, and action could be the focus of MI as a prelude to these interventions, including attendance at sessions, meditation self‐practice, active engagement with the suffering of self and others, and embodiment of compassionate action in daily life. Transcripts of example MI conversations in the context of compassion‐based interventions have been provided, as well as recommendations regarding assessing motivation and commitment in this context.ConclusionsMI is proposed to be a promising prelude to compassion‐based interventions, to enhance compassion motivation and commitment, and increase the likelihood of embodying compassionate action in daily life.