Remotivation Therapy had its origins in mental health.  In fact, the American Psychiatric Association formalized the practice and training standards in the 1950s.

 

It is very effective in addressing:

 

treatment resistance

development of a therapeutic alliance

overcoming denial

establishing repport

increasing adherance and compliance

keeping clients actively involved in treatment

 

A recent article in Psychiatric Times describes why remotivation and other psychodynamic interpersonal techniques are needed to advance the effectiveness of pharmacological therapies for treatment resistant clients.  See this link http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/display/article/10168/1946385

 

As such, remotivation skills are basic to a treatment relationship with a client/patient and should be something that all helping professionals and informal helpers learn to incorporate into their interpersonal relations with those they serve.

 

It was first used in inpatient wards of psychiatric hospitals. (see early outcomes studies on the evidence base page at this website)

 

As de-institutionalization took place, the most chronic patients were discharged to nursing homes and boarding homes.  This is how remotivation therapy was introduced into long term care.

 

Remotivation therapy has been used successfully by both outpatient mental health therapists and substance abuse counselors.  It is MORE effective than insight oriented psychotherapy for many clients who regress when pushed to emotionally charged or problematic discussions. (see outcome studies at evidence base page at this website)

 

It is a very effective "first introduction" to the therapeutic relationship, individually or in a group session.  Clients can graduate to psychotherapy after remotivation sessions or concurrently attend remotivation while also attending psychotherapy.  Remotivation provides a healthy balance between focusing on the "problem" in psychotherapy or motivational interviewing and focusing on the well, healthy potential of the client in remotivation.

 

Remotivation therapy can be also used after psychotherapy as a method of delivering psycho-social rehabilitation or psychoeducation.

 

 

Remotivation is very effective as a form of outreach to teen run-aways and homeless persons.  Its non-confrontational manner and supportive climate of acceptance attracts these persons to your center or program.  They will continue to attend your program and receive related services if you maintain the remotivation program as the base methodology for your outreach program.