Wie kann MI eine traumainformierte Versorgung fördern?

Part of trauma-informed care involves allowing clients to have autonomy and not default to the authority figure's power. They are typically accustomed to feeling powerless. Re-centering the person's experience and positioning themselves as an expert in their body is a powerful way that Motivational Interviewing allows clients to connect with their internal experience in a positive way.

Imagine MI as a comforting blanket, acknowledging each person's unique journey. It's not just about addressing behavior; it's about understanding the roots, offering support without judgment. Like a compassionate companion, MI helps uncover strengths, fostering resilience in the face of adversity. In the realm of trauma-informed care, MI becomes a beacon of understanding. It doesn't push; it gently nudges towards empowerment, respecting the pace of healing. It's a language of compassion, reminding individuals that their voices matter.

Reframing what the client has said is another critical skill we apply with MI, especially when there is a lot of focus on negativity. That way, clients will hear a different perspective they may want to consider.

A fundamental pillar of MI is helping a client make their own choice, to discover and move on their own resources and motivations. I like MI's 'guiding style' of coaching through options, helping clients articulate for themselves the relevant dynamics by actively mirroring their assessments and reasoning - so they can hear it externalized and also so we can confirm that we are understanding them correctly. We know that ambivalence is actually a step toward making change, so seeing ambivalence as an asset to be praised and capitalized upon is a gift to our clients. Too often, people hound themselves for perceived lack of commitment, but we can turn that on its head, empowering our clients to see themselves as already in the process of change

In my work in Eating Disorders, I have found it immensely helpful to learn from my clients the unique pieces of their story that tie into their culture and accepting that recovery is not one-size-fits-all. Nutrition recommendations don't always take into account what makes sense for someone's culture and what "normalized eating" looks like for their community i.e. not following an ideal plate composition or eating 6 times a day. This stems from the provider being curious to learn about their culture as well as understanding the broad spectrum of factors that contribute to a person's overall health.

One of the keys of Motivational Interviewing that I've found helpful with all individuals and especially with those with a trauma history is to use neutral, reflective statements and avoid judgmental statements and labeling. This helps to create an honest environment but also allows them to fully express their experience without it being seen as good or bad. This helps build rapport, trust, and safety.