"Shifting the balance" - Motivational interviewing to help behaviour change in people with bulimia nervosa

People with bulimia nervosa are often ambivalent about coming for help. Motivational interviewing considers ambivalence to be a normal and appropriate state for anyone considering behavioural change. By exploring ambivalence and considering the readiness of a client to change, a structure is created that builds collaboration between therapist and client, and avoids conflict: this can help in establishing change in eating behaviour and is compatible with other therapeutic models. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. and Eating Disorders Association.