Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) is a structured, time-limited intervention designed to rapidly increase readiness for change.[1] MET typically consists of four carefully planned sessions following a specific protocol developed through the Project MATCH research initiative. This systematic approach begins with an extensive assessment followed by structured feedback sessions that present objective information about substance use patterns and related concerns. The therapist delivers this feedback in a clear, direct manner while avoiding arguments or confrontation about the need for change.

The MET process emphasizes personal responsibility while providing normative comparisons that help people recognize problematic patterns.[2] Sessions follow a structured sequence: initial assessment, feedback presentation, goal establishment, and follow-up reinforcement. Rather than an extensive exploration of past issues, MET maintains a present and future focus on concrete behavioral objectives. This approach proves particularly effective for those who begin treatment with limited recognition of their substance use concerns. By presenting objective information in a respectful manner, MET helps bridge the gap between external perceptions and personal awareness, creating fertile ground for meaningful change.

How (and Why) MET Works

Motivation Enhancement Therapy works through a structured, time-limited approach specifically designed to produce rapid, internally motivated change. MET creates cognitive shifts by providing clear, personalized feedback about assessment results compared to normative data. This objective presentation of information helps people recognize problems they might otherwise minimize or deny, creating a foundation for motivation without confrontation or argument.[3]

The structured protocol typically includes four targeted sessions focused on systematic feedback, planning, and reinforcement rather than ongoing exploration. Each session builds momentum by strengthening the commitment to specific change objectives identified by the individual. MET emphasizes personal choice and responsibility, ensuring the person maintains ownership of both their goals and strategies for achieving them.

MET proves especially effective because it targets motivation directly rather than assuming it as a prerequisite for treatment. By addressing ambivalence at the outset, MET creates a solid foundation for additional therapeutic approaches. The person enters subsequent treatment already committed to change, with clear personal reasons for participation, leading to better engagement and outcomes across the full spectrum of recovery services.