Suddenly Seymour
Motivational Interviewing offers a way to "Stand in Love"
The day after Valentine’s Day, I found in my TikTok inbox a video of the song “Suddenly Seymour“ (see below)
I really like this song. I watched it several times.
I think everyone needs at least one relationship in their life with someone who provides the qualities that Seymour is providing here to Audrey.
As I watched, it occurred to me that the first two verses are capturing something of the spirit and the goal/skillfulness that comes with Motivational Interviewing, especially when we think of MI as a way of being and not just a way of doing
To make it suitable for MI training, I’m considering editing the song down to include just the two first verses, since in the last two verses the friendship with Seymour evolves into more of a romantic relationship.
And at the same time ...
For me, Motivational Interviewing is a form of Love. The Greeks called this kind of love, "agape." Love that puts the other first, is willing to sacrifice for the other. Love that wants “what is best for the other person, as they define it for themself.”
Erich Fromm called this “Standing in Love” as opposed to falling in love.
Love that wants what is best for the other person, as they define it for themself.
In the video, I love the response of Audrey, the character Seymour is singing to. She reminds me of how affirming MI can be with folks who have experienced a lot of stigma in their life:
to feel that someone understands you,
isn’t trying to push you around or condescend,
that someone believes in you,
is trying to reach the you that might be under all the rubble,
in a genuine, hopeful way, like a friend
This experience of “sweet understanding” is, I think, the essence of MI.
Wishing you a great day after Valentine’s Day. Let there be More Love!
Sky
PS - MI Learning Sessions continue every Monday and Friday at 9am EST, and it’s absolutely free. Reply email me for the zoom link.