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With a gentle and generous invitation, Tara offers the opportunity to consider the Accredited Exercise Physiologist’s role from a motivational interviewing perspective. She acknowledges the challenges of the medical model of assess - diagnose - educate/plan/prescribe; in particular, how it tends to amplify our Righting Reflex.

The Righting Reflex, she explains, is not fundamentally wrong. In fact, it is a normal and compassionate approach when employed in the right circumstance. Those of our clients whom present with ambivalence, however, tend not the benefit from our well-intended offers of solutions; rather it prompts the client to advocate for maintaining their status quo.  

Tara defines motivational interviewing as a fundamentally active practice that looks to strengthen a person’s own desire for change, at the same time respecting ambivalence as a normal human experience. We can use motivational interviewing spirit and skills to help us manage our Righting Reflex, in a collaborative partnership that is aiming to identify strengths. By weaving an motivational interviewing approach into an interaction with ‘Bob’, we get a taste of how motivational interviewing feels. Calm. Respectful. Productive.

As an introduction to motivational interviewing, we are presented with a range of pathways that can lead us towards exploring its value in our practice; with curiosity, and without judgement. If in doubt- breathe, offer compassion, and listen.

Tara MacGregor has 25 years’ experience as an Accredited Practising Dietitian, and is also a professional Counsellor and Psychotherapist.  Working from her private practice in Sydney, she specialises in assisting people with chronic dieting and disordered eating. She is a leader in skills training, mentoring and clinical supervision. Tara is committed to the Health at Every Size ® approach; she is a member of MINT (the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers); and is a PACFA Accredited Supervisor.