In motivational interviewing (MI), the role of the therapist is best described as:

In motivational interviewing, the therapist's role emphasizes supporting clients in exploring and enhancing their intrinsic motivation to change their behaviors. This approach involves guiding clients to articulate their own reasons for change rather than imposing external motivations. By uncovering and helping to release a client's motivation, the therapist facilitates a collaborative dialogue that allows individuals to reflect on their desires, values, and goals. This exploration can lead to an increased commitment to making positive changes.

The process requires the therapist to employ techniques like reflective listening, affirmations, and open-ended questions, which all serve to empower the client. This approach is distinct from making the unconscious conscious, which relates more to psychodynamic therapies, or simply establishing trust and empathy, which, while important, is not the primary focus of MI. Likewise, producing behavioral change is more of an outcome rather than a direct role of the therapist within the motivational interviewing framework. The essence of MI lies in nurturing the client's motivation to change, making that aspect of the therapist's role particularly fundamental.