In motivational interviewing, which quality is emphasized to empower clients?

• A. Collaboration and autonomy
• B. Directives and control
• C. Rigid structure
• D. Passive listening

Answer: (A)

Motivational interviewing centers on collaborating with the client and honoring their autonomy. By acting as a partner rather than an authority who tells the client what to do, the practitioner invites the client to voice their own reasons for change, explore ambivalence, and decide on next steps. This approach builds intrinsic motivation and self-efficacy because the client feels ownership over the change process. Directives and control undermine autonomy and often trigger resistance. A rigid structure or passive listening fails to engage the client or elicit meaningful change talk. Emphasizing collaboration and autonomy is what makes MI empowering.