Motivational Enhancement Therapy in Los Angeles, California
Motivational Enhancement Therapy, or MET, is a way to address people who have problems with drugs and alcohol.
As a result, it leads to quick intrinsic improvements in an individual’s engagement with treatment for addiction. When combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), it is especially effective for treating certain types of substance use disorders.
At Harmony Place, we understand the benefits of being motivated to seek treatment and remain sober in the long term. Therefore, we encourage clients to participate in our motivational enhancement therapy in Los Angeles, California.
Important Principles Involved in MET
Indeed, the main goal of the treatment is to heighten a person’s awareness about poor behaviors and to increase their motivation to change. A MET therapist teaches a patient ways to adjust negative thoughts so that he or she gains the confidence to change for the better. As a result, this helps an individual with a substance use disorder to change behavior and to remain sober.
In summary, there are five vital parts of MET:
In effect, the first principle of our Los Angeles motivational enhancement therapy establishes trust between a therapist and a patient. A therapist listens without confrontation or judgment so that the patient feels supported, respected, and accepted. Therefore, the individual realizes that there is more to life than negative behavior. The therapist listens to the patient and reflects on the expressed ideas. In other words, the patient elaborates on these ideas to confirm that change must occur.
A patient discusses goals and recovery. As a result, a therapist begins an outline of the job that is ahead. This establishes a discrepancy between a patient’s current state and the state that they wish to achieve. This helps a person recognize the behaviors that are keeping them from getting to his or her goal. In many ways, this offers an incentive for behavior change. Therapy bridges the gap between a patient’s current life and the life that they want.
Again, the focus of MET is to reinforce positive behavior. Therefore, there are no attacks or arguments from a therapist. In fact, judgment will make a person with a substance use disorder get defensive and will have a counterproductive outcome. Instead, MET raises the awareness of poor behavior and the changes that must occur to gain long-term sobriety.
MET acknowledges that a certain level of resistance remains. The treatment goes along with leftover resistance without confrontation. It is essential to understand that change is difficult. Even though it may seem counterproductive, a patient becomes less defensive, and they are more likely to remain in therapy and pursue a solid rehab program.
Patients become self-aware and comprehend that they can reach their goals. A therapist helps people with substance use disorders to change and successfully turn against addictive behaviors.
How MET Benefits Individuals Who are in Recovery from Addiction
Our motivational enhancement therapy in Los Angeles helps high-risk individuals with substance use disorders. It finishes over a span of a few weeks.
Unfortunately, there is not one single therapy approach for treating addiction. Each person suffers from unique challenges. In certain studies, MET was found to be effective and to assist individuals with substance misuse issues. In fact, it helps people overcome resistance to change, which is the building block toward a successful recovery.
When a person is ready and willing to alter behaviors, it is possible to enjoy a sober lifestyle. In other words, it increases a person’s readiness to go against negative addictive behavior. Also, it has been proven to lower the severity of drug or alcohol abuse and to lengthen a person’s abstinence.
