Discount Motivational Interviewing, Second Edition: Preparing People for Change

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is defined as: a client-centered, directive method for enhancing intrinsic motivation to chance by exploring and resolving ambivalence.

Motivational Interviewing, Second Edition: Preparing People for Change is an excellent resource for anyone working with individuals or groups of people who are facing ambivalence regarding change. The change can range from drug/alcohol abuse, quitting smoking, medical issues, losing weight, relationship changes, starting an exercise program, changing careers, etc.

The book begins with a chapter on "Why do people change?" People tend to be creatures of habit and change can be a very difficult and disturbing process to go through. There is also a discussion on whether people are ready, willing and able to change along with issues that trigger change. The book then moves on to the topic of ambivalence and why people have such a difficult time with making changes especially if the changes are beneficial such as in quitting smoking, dealing with addictions, taking necessary medications, etc. Facilitating change is difficult and can be a lengthy process. One often develops discrepancy, deals with self-motivating change talk and dealing with the status quo.

Part II of the book enters the practice of Motivational Interviewing and delves into the four general principles:

1. Express empathy
2. Develop discrepancy
3. Roll with resistance
4. Support self-efficacy

Then there is a discussion on change and resistance which is essentially the consonance and dissonance of change. Interviewing traps are discussed and plenty of examples are provided.

Five specific methods are then reviewed in depth:

1. Ask open ended questions
2. Listen reflectively
3. Affirmations
4. Summarizations
5. Eliciting change talk
Once again plenty of examples are provided.

There are following chapters on responding to change talk, responding to resistance, enhancing confidence to strengthening commitments. There is also a chapter on Motivational Interviewing and the Stages of Change. MI techniques are to be applied differently depending on which Stage of Change a person is in.

Originally, MI was developed for use by counselors but these techniques can be utilized by many other professions. The techniques are very easy to learn but very difficult to apply. Don't be fooled by the apparent simplicity as it does take a lot of practice to become familiar with the spirit and essence of Motivational Interviewing and then have the skill to apply the different techniques. MI is a great skill for police officers, corrections officers, detention officers, probation and parole officers, managers, military investigators, military interrogators, sports coaches and anyone who regularly deals with individuals who have ambivalence.

Motivational Interviewing, Second Edition: Preparing People for Change is an excellent resource that has many practical uses and applications both professionally and personally. Plenty of examples are utilized throughout the book that will guide you along.
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