Final answer:
Motivational interviewing helps clients transition from less healthy to more healthy behaviors by encouraging intrinsic motivation and ownership of the behavior change process.
Step-by-step explanation:
Motivational interviewing is a technique used to help clients transition from less healthy to more healthy behaviors. It involves a collaborative conversation between the client and the interviewer, where the interviewer helps the client explore their feelings, beliefs, and values related to behavior change. This approach focuses on creating intrinsic motivation in the client by allowing them to express their own reasons for change, rather than being told what to do. For example, instead of simply advising a client to exercise regularly for better health, the interviewer might ask the client to reflect on why exercise might be important to them, what benefits they expect to gain, and what barriers they anticipate. By exploring these factors, the client is more likely to develop a stronger commitment to change and take ownership of their behavior change process.