Purpose: In a recent published article series in International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity a marriage between Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) was proposed. The purpose of the present paper is to describe the rationale and development of individual counseling, based on the tenets of SDT and techniques drawn from MI, used to promote exercise adherence.

Methods: A review of the literature relevant to the marriage of SDT and MI was conducted, and a counseling approach based on SDT and MI progressed. Guidelines for how to support individuals basic needs in individual counseling and scripts for individual counselling sessions to promote exercise adherence was developed.

Results: To support the individuals need for autonomy, competence and relatedness different techniques and approaches was proposed. The counseling technique is now being tested in a randomized control intervention (intervention group  (n=50), control group (n=50)) to promote regular exercise among healthy, inactive adults.

Conclusions: This paper outlines the rationale and development of individual counseling based on SDT and MI. Although a ‘complete marriage’ between SDT and MI may not be possible, an initial step towards a ‘new’ counseling approach has been made.