Motivational enhancement therapy (MET) is a brief therapeutic approach that uses a client-centered lens to improve the client’s drive and motivation for personal change. It’s effective for those who participate in high-risk behaviors like drug and alcohol abuse or those who have a history of drug addiction and alcoholism. It’s often used in conjunction with other therapy modalities.
What Is Motivational Enhancement Therapy?
MET is a form of therapy therapy that helps clients work through their desire and commitment to engage in therapy, removing the barriers that drive the motivation for change. It’s a fast-paced approach aimed at rapid change so clients have the internal motivation for ongoing change. MET is brief and lasts no more than 5-6 sessions.1
The core concept of MET is the use of negotiation instead of conflict. Negotiation is non-threatening and helps clients explore and address their ambivalence about changing their behavior without making them more resistant. It aims to help them tap into what may drive intrinsic behavioral change. A collaborative relationship between therapist and client is central to the success of MET.2
What’s the Goal of Motivational Enhancement Therapy?
The goal of MET is to overcome resistance to changing someone’s own behavior. The focus is on helping the client increase their level of motivation by supporting them on their journey to self-awareness and helping them label feelings, combat any cognitive distortions, and problem solve.4
5 Motivational Enhancement Therapy Techniques
Motivational enhancement therapy techniques include the development of empathy, acknowledging people’s perspective and perceptions, avoiding conflict, normalizing resistance, and practicing client-centered support.
Here are five MET techniques:
1. Empathy Development
Clients working with a MET therapist often learn new ways to express and develop empathy by becoming aware of how their actions impact others. The awareness itself can be a way to motivate the client to change their behaviors or want to learn how they can change. Developing these skills and awareness also helps to support the relationship with the therapist, which is critical for those who lack motivation.
2. Understanding Thoughts vs. Reality
Clients in any form of therapy tend to experience some form of cognitive distortions or resistance to therapy. Learning to acknowledge that how they feel and think isn’t based in fact can help them accept that they may want to change.
3. Not Engaging in Arguments
MET therapists will not engage in arguments about their clients’ risky behaviors. Clients are accepted for where they are in their journey and the therapist looks for ways to focus on positive behaviors and drive motivation from that.
4. Normalizing Resistance
For those considering treatment, resistance and hesitancy are normal. The more we acknowledge this, the less we find ourselves wanting to argue and fight resistance. Working through it and exploring what it means helps clients understand what their goals are and how to attain them.
5. Self-Efficacy
It’s important that clients have self-determination and faith in their ability to change. MET supports that philosophy and helps clients overcome their barriers so they can reach their goals.3
What Can Motivational Enhancement Therapy Help With?
MET can help with a myriad of issues, including drug and alcohol abuse, risky behaviors, addictions, trauma related issues, eating disorders, and anxiety conditions. MET has been known to help clients reach a place where they’re more ready to end risky behaviors; this is especially helpful for those with addictions or obsessive/intrusive thoughts and behaviors.
Those with a high level of resistance have been shown to benefit greatly from MET due to its emphasis on non-judgement and digging to the root of what drives that person’s change. MET can also help reduce the likelihood of developing one or more other mental health issues.
MET can help with these conditions:
- Addiction
- Eating disorders
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Bipolar disorders
Cost of Motivational Enhancement Therapy
In most cases, MET will be covered by health insurance. There is usually a copay for mental health services that can range from $40-$100+. Looking for “in-network” providers may be a way to help manage the out-of-pocket costs with copays.
In situations where health insurance doesn’t cover MET (e.g., if you’re going to an out-of-network therapist) each session can range from $60-$200 per hour/per session. It’s important to consider therapists and practices that offer sliding scale prices if you don’t have insurance.
How to Find a Motivational Enhancement Therapist
Ways to find a MET therapist include searching online and reviewing your list of in-network providers. Start by looking through profiles, narrowing down your list, and contacting a few individuals for initial questions. Many therapists offer a free phone consultation that gives someone an opportunity to evaluate whether or not they’re a good match.
Any type of mental health clinician is able to practice MET as long as they have experience. While there isn’t a specific MET certification or credential, there are continuing education credits and workshops therapists can enroll in.
10 Questions to Ask a Motivational Enhancement Therapist
When considering a potential therapist, ask these questions:
- What is motivational enhancement therapy?
- What is your experience with MET?
- How might this help my family with my issues?
- How long will we have to be coming in for therapy?
- How do we know if we’re making progress?
- Can couples and families come or is this just for individuals?
- Do you use other therapy modalities with MET?
- Will I need a new therapist once we are done with MET or can I keep seeing you?
- Do we have homework?
- What if MET doesn’t help me?
Final Thoughts on Motivational Enhancement Therapy
If you’re dealing with substance abuse, addiction, mood disorders, or any risky behavioral issues, motivational enhancement therapy might be really helpful to overcome these issues. It’s a client-centered approach that promotes empathy and understanding and avoids conflict. Start your search for a therapist today on an online directory.
Additional Resources
- Mental Health America
- National Alliance on Mental Health
- MentalHealth.gov
- Online Therapist Directory: Sort therapists by specialty, cost, availability and more. Watch intro videos and see articles written by the therapists you’re considering working with. When you’ve found a good match, book an online therapy appointment with them directly.
Are you ready to connect with a therapist but feel a little overwhelmed by all your options? Speak with one of Choosing Therapy’s Client Navigators. Client Navigators are mental health professionals who will listen to what you’re looking for in a therapist and help pair you with the best possible fit. Getting started is free, easy, and confidential.
