What is a primary technique in motivational interviewing?

Affirmations are a primary technique in motivational interviewing, which is a client-centered counseling approach aimed at enhancing an individual's motivation to change. This technique involves recognizing and acknowledging the strengths, efforts, and achievements of the individual, creating a supportive environment and fostering a sense of self-efficacy. By using affirmations, a mental health technician can build rapport, establish trust, and encourage clients to explore their motivations for change.

This positive reinforcement is essential in motivational interviewing, as it helps clients feel valued and understood, making them more receptive to discussing their ambivalence towards change. It enhances their confidence in making positive decisions and reinforces their willingness to engage in the change process.

In contrast, the other techniques listed do not align with the supportive and encouraging nature of motivational interviewing. Direct confrontation can lead to defensiveness rather than fostering an open dialogue. Medication management is more clinical and does not focus on the intrinsic motivation theme central to motivational interviewing. Role-playing can be a useful therapeutic technique but is not a defining feature of motivational interviewing.