We all want to change something in our lives—maybe it's ending an addiction, leaving a toxic relationship, starting a workout routine, or just showing up for ourselves more consistently. Motivation is powerful… but motivation alone isn’t always enough to get you where you want to go. The truth is, motivation can come and go. It’s consistency and the support to stay consistent that truly makes the difference.

So how do we get from “I want to change” to actually following through? That’s where Motivational Interviewing comes in.

What Is Motivational Interviewing?

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a compassionate, client-centered counseling approach designed to help people explore their own reasons for change. It’s especially helpful when someone feels stuck in indecision or doesn’t quite know how to start moving forward.

This method gently guides you through the mental and emotional process of change by helping you identify why the change matters to you and how to take real steps toward making it happen. At A New Start Counseling, our therapists use Motivational Interviewing to help clients gain clarity, shift ambivalence, and feel empowered to make lasting changes in their lives.

How Does It Work?

Motivational Interviewing is rooted in empathy, respect, and collaboration. You won’t be pressured or judged. Instead, you’ll be invited to explore your thoughts and feelings around change with a counselor who’s trained to ask the right questions—not to give you answers, but to help you uncover them for yourself.

You’ll talk through:

• What’s holding you back

• What’s pulling you forward

• What your values are

• What your ideal life looks like

• And most importantly—why change matters to you

From Ambivalence to Action

One of the key focuses of MI is helping people resolve ambivalence—that tug-of-war feeling between wanting to change and not wanting to change. Maybe part of you wants to stop drinking, but another part is scared of what life will look like without it. Or maybe you want to start exercising, but you’re overwhelmed by all the times it hasn’t worked before.

In therapy, we help you explore those conflicting parts without judgment. Once you start seeing your “why” more clearly, it becomes easier to move into the action stage—and from there, we’ll support you in building consistency to sustain the change over time.

What Can Motivational Interviewing Help With?

Motivational Interviewing is a powerful tool used in many areas, including:

• Addiction recovery (drugs, alcohol, smoking, food)

• Leaving unhealthy relationships

• Improving health habits (exercise, sleep, nutrition)

• Managing daily goals and time

• Breaking free from avoidance patterns

• Navigating major life transitions

Whether you’re trying to start something new or stop something harmful, motivational interviewing gives you a safe space to ask yourself, “What do I really want?”—and then take steps toward it.

Why Action Matters More Than Motivation

Let’s face it... motivation is amazing when it shows up, but it isn’t always reliable. Motivation might get you started, but consistency is what builds lasting change. With support from a therapist, we help you move from inspiration to implementation. That’s how dreams become reality, not overnight, but through small, steady steps that align with your goals.

If you’re having trouble even identifying your goal...That’s okay. We’ll help with that, too. Sometimes the first step in therapy is just saying, “I don’t know where to begin.”

Start Where You Are — We’ll Walk With You

At A New Start Counseling, we believe that change doesn’t have to be forced. It can be gentle. It can be empowering. And it can start today.

Whether you’re navigating addiction recovery, looking to improve your lifestyle, or just trying to figure out what’s next, we’re here to help you reconnect with your motivation and build the consistency you need to succeed.

Call or text us at 210.705.1749 to schedule your first session.

Virtual therapy available anywhere in Texas — support from the comfort of your home.

Let’s move from stuck to steady.

From intention to action.

From surviving to thriving.