Using Motivational Interviewing in Schools: Unlock Student Potential
It’s back to school time! One of my favorite groups that I’ve trained this year was at school district. The training was filled with school counselors and educators who were eager to learn some new techniques to help them with students and their families, especially those who weren’t seeking the changes being recommended. Que MI!
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is best known as a communication style to help people resolve ambivalence and make positive changes that started in addiction counseling. But in recent years, MI has found a powerful place in numerous settings including schools, where educators, counselors, and staff are tasked not only with teaching but also with supporting student well-being.
When applied in educational settings, MI helps staff build stronger relationships with students, increase engagement, and support meaningful behavior and academic changes.
What is Motivational Interviewing?
Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, person-centered approach to communication. Rather than telling students what they “should” do, MI invites them to explore their own reasons for change and empowers them to take ownership.
At its core, MI is guided by:
Collaboration – working with students rather than directing them.
Acceptance – respecting autonomy and expressing empathy.
Compassion – keeping students’ best interests at the center.
Empowerment – drawing out their intrinsic strengths and own motivations instead of imposing external ones.
Why MI Works in Schools
Students often resist change when they feel pressured or judged. MI offers a respectful alternative that:
Builds trust and rapport between students and staff.
Reduces resistance to feedback, discipline, or academic support.
Strengthens intrinsic motivation, so change comes from within.
Promotes self-efficacy, helping students believe they are capable of success.
These outcomes are especially powerful for students struggling with attendance, academic motivation, behavior challenges, or mental health concerns.
Practical Applications of MI in Schools
MI can be woven into everyday school interactions—not just formal counseling sessions. Here are some examples:
Classroom Management: Instead of issuing directives (“You need to focus”), a teacher might ask, “What helps you stay on task when things feel distracting?”
Academic Support: A tutor can use open-ended questions to explore barriers, such as, “What’s the hardest part about finishing homework at home?”
Discipline Conversations: Administrators can use MI to encourage reflection rather than punishment, e.g., “What do you think would happen if this situation repeated itself?”
College & Career Readiness: Counselors can help students connect choices to future goals by asking, “How do you see this step fitting into your bigger plans?”
Tips for Schools Implementing MI
Start Small – Introduce MI skills in everyday conversations before building into structured interventions.
Model MI with Staff – Leaders can use MI strategies when supporting teachers, creating a culture of collaboration.
Offer Professional Development – Workshops or training days help staff feel confident in applying MI techniques.
Track Outcomes – Notice changes in student engagement, attendance, or disciplinary referrals as MI practices grow.
Final Thoughts
Motivational Interviewing is more than a counseling tool—it’s a mindset that fosters respect, curiosity, and empowerment. In schools, it can transform interactions, turning power struggles into partnerships and unlocking the motivation students already carry within them.
By adopting MI strategies, educators don’t just address challenges—they also help students build confidence, take ownership of learning, and move toward brighter futures.
Interested in learning more about how your school could be trained in Motivational Interviewing? Contact me to schedule a FREE consultation call.
