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. This book is in the Applications of Motivational Interviewing series.

About the Author

Christopher C. Wagner, PhD, is Associate Professor of Rehabilitation Counseling, Psychology, and Psychiatry at Virginia Commonwealth University. A clinical psychologist, he has led psychotherapeutic, psychoeducational, and support groups targeting addictive behaviors, sexual behaviors and identity, HIV 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 the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (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 psychotherapeutic, psychoeducational, and support 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 Science Award from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for a study that reduced the risk of alcohol-exposed pregnancies 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.