Which describes a primary objective of motivational interviewing in employment services?

• A. Discourage clients from changing
• B. Deliver information without interaction
• C. Replace counselor's judgment
• D. Identify employment goals and activate client

Answer: (D)

Motivational interviewing in employment services centers on working with the client to explore their goals, resolve ambivalence, and activate motivation toward concrete steps. The best description is identifying employment goals and activating the client because MI aims to elicit the client’s own reasons for change and help them commit to action, rather than impose direction. This approach is collaborative and client-centered, using reflective listening and open-ended questions to help the person articulate meaningful goals and a plan to pursue them. It’s not about discouraging change, delivering information without interaction, or replacing the counselor’s judgment—the techniques are designed to empower the client, respect autonomy, and support self-directed decision-making.