Practitioners' use of motivational interviewing in sport: A qualitative enquiry

The purpose of this study was to explore the use of motivational interviewing (MI) in sport contexts by experts in that approach. Specifically, to understand which aspects of the MI approach are deemed valuable for working in sport, and begin to understand how these aspects are best applied. Nine practitioners participated in semi-structured interviews, and thematic analysis identified themes related to core and sub-components of MI (e.g., relational spirit, technical microskills, applied tools and the MI communication styles continuum). Additional themes relate to integrating MI with other interventions, challenges of working with athletes (e.g., mandated attendance, ambivalence about change) and unique aspects of working in sport contexts (e.g., frequency, duration and location of contact points). Participants also outlined essential ingredients for an MI training curriculum for practitioners in sport. This counseling approach appears to have valuable relational and technical components to facilitate the building of the therapeutic alliance, enhance athlete readiness for change, and support delivery of action-orientated interventions in applied sport psychology. Key words: motivational interviewing; applied sport psychology; therapeutic alliance; ambivalence; integratio