Motivational Interviewing in Groups

A unique clinical resource, this book shows how to infuse the methods and spirit of motivational interviewing (MI) into group-based interventions. The authors demonstrate how the four processes of MI with individuals translate into group contexts. They explain both the challenges and the unique benefits of MI groups, guiding practitioners to build the skills they need to lead psychoeducational, psychotherapeutic, and support groups successfully. A wealth of clinical examples are featured. Chapters by contributing authors present innovative group applications targeting specific problems: substance use disorders, dual diagnosis, chronic health conditions, weight management, adolescent risk behaviors, intimate partner violence, and sexual offending.

Christopher C. Wagner, PhD, is Associate Professor and Vice-Chair of the Department of Rehabilitation Counseling at Virginia Commonwealth University, with appointments in the Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry. A clinical psychologist, he has led support, psychoeducational, and psychotherapeutic groups targeting addictive behaviors, sexual behaviors and identity, HIV risk reduction and disease coping, schizophrenia, and organ transplant, as well as general adult mental health and development. Dr. Wagner is a past president of the Society for Interpersonal Theory and Research and is a member and former steering committee member of MINT. His research interests include interpersonal processes in MI and other therapies, and comparing MI with other therapeutic approaches. Karen S. Ingersoll, PhD, is Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. A clinical psychologist, she has conducted support, psychoeducational, and psychotherapeutic groups targeting intimate partner violence, smoking cessation, relapse prevention for addictive behaviors, HIV treatment adherence, and women's health. Dr. Ingersoll is a corecipient of the Charles C. Shepard Award for Scientific Achievement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for a study that reduced the risk of alcohol-exposed pregnancy using an MI intervention. She is a MINT member whose research tests MI as a foundational approach to improve health for people with health and addiction concerns.

"An outstanding contribution. The book offers a robust discussion of the MI style, concepts, and methods as they pertain to group-based challenges and opportunities. Down-to-earth examples and detailed descriptions of innovative group-based applications make this an exceptional resource for practitioners, as well as a useful course text." - Nanette Stephens, University of Texas at Austin, USA "Wagner and Ingersoll succeed in answering a question that practitioners of all stripes have been asking for 20 years: 'How do we do MI in groups?' Bringing to bear their talents as researchers, practitioners, and trainers, the authors have woven a tapestry of art and science. This is a soup-to-nuts guide on how to start and run different types of MI groups, including a trove of advice from the contributing authors about applications for specific populations. A welcome addition to the MI literature." - David B. Rosengren, PhD, Prevention Research Institute, Kentucky, USA