Which principle is central to both MET and Motivational Interviewing?

• A. Long-term directive counseling
• B. Structured, brief intervention based on Motivational Interviewing principles
• C. Pharmacotherapy
• D. Psychoeducation only

Answer: (B)

Both MET and Motivational Interviewing center on delivering a brief, collaborative, person-centered intervention that is structured to elicit motivation for change rather than impose it. MET uses a focused, time-limited format built on MI principles to engage clients, explore ambivalence, and support commitment to change in a few sessions. This makes a structured, brief intervention based on MI principles the best fit.

Long-term directive counseling runs counter to MI’s emphasis on autonomy and collaboration. Pharmacotherapy refers to medication, not a counseling approach. Psychoeducation only misses the interactive, client-driven nature of MI, which seeks to elicit the client’s own motivations and plans.