Motivational Interviewing: Preparing People to Change Addictive Behavior [Hardcover]

William R. Miller Phd (Author), Stephen Rollnick PhD (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 9, 1991 | ISBN-10: 0898625661 | ISBN-13: 978-0898625660

Since the initial publication of this classic text, motivational interviewing (MI) has been used by countless clinicians in diverse settings. Theory and methods have evolved apace, reflecting new knowledge on the process of behavior change, a growing body of outcome research, and the development of new applications within and beyond the addictions field. Including 25 nearly all-new chapters, this revised and expanded second edition now brings MI practitioners and trainees fully up to date. William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick explain how to work through ambivalence to facilitate change, present detailed guidelines for using their approach with a variety of clinical populations, and reflect on the process of learning MI. Chapters contributed by other leading experts then address such special topics as MI and the stages-of-change model; using the approach with groups, couples, and adolescents; and applications to general medical care, health promotion, and criminal justice settings.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A classic in the field of addiction treatment. The book contains many practical and helpful procedures that can be used by clinicians and counselors to motivate their clients for treatment or participation in self-help groups....I recommend it highly as a refreshing alternative to the traditional 'confrontational' style advocated by adherents of the disease model of addiction. This book will do much to move people with addiction problems into the 'action stage' of dealing more effectively with their problems.' --G. Alan Marlatt, coeditor of Relapse Prevention, and Professor of Psychology, University of Washington

"'Must' reading for clinicians working with people [who have] problems with addictions. Practical clinical techniques, clearly articulated theory, fascinating case examples, and a series of chapters showing the application of the principles and techniques to diverse populations all make this a valuable book....It will be required reading for all my students, counselors, and therapists." --Barbara McCrady, Professor and Acting Director, Center of Alcohol Studies, Rutgers University

"The book by Miller and Rollnick is of great significance...it promises to become the 'bible' of motivational interviewing. Everything that is needed to learn and benefit from this new approach is here....Any therapist who wishes to acquire familiarity with one of the most important developments of recent times in the treatment of addictive behaviors should read and consult this book. Certainly, no one concerned with improving their understanding and skills in this field of treatment should be without it." --Nick Heather, Professor of Drug and Alcohol Studies, University of New South Wales

"Miller and Rollnick have produced a landmark guide for effective counseling of clients with such maladaptive behaviors as excessive alcohol, drug, and tobacco use, compulsive gambling, and sex abuse....The whole book is compassionate and humane in its approaches and is replete with specific, interestingly written accounts of actual sessions....This work is likely to make a material contribution toward more realistic, nondogmatic styles in the treatment of behavioral problems." --Don Cahalan, Professor of Public Health, University of California at Berkeley

"We adopted the text for a clinically oriented class on substance abuse and were very pleased with the book and its procedures. Students find it very helpful because it shows how the theories and methods they are learning may be put into practice. The book is great for hands-on clinical practice dealing with substance abuse." --Professor Frank L. Collins, Ph.D., Director of Clinical Program, Oklahoma State University Psychology Department

"Specific, concrete. Excellent therapeutic approach. Clearly written." --Stanley G. McCracken, Ph.D., University of Chicago, Tinley Park, IL

"Text contains strong ideas with an empirical base." --Cass Dykeman, Ph.D., Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA; Course: Addictive Behavior Counseling

"Simply the best text of its type." --J.F. Stand, Ph.D., Rehabilitation College of Springfield College, MA, course: Rehabilitation of Alcoholics

"This book is excellent--on the cutting edge." --Bruce Underwood, Dr. Ph., Chapman University (course: Seminar in Exercise Science)

"We adopted the text for a clinically oriented class on substance abuse and were very pleased with the book and its procedures. Students found it very helpful because it showed how the theories and methods they were learning may be put into practice. The book is great for hands-on clinical practice in dealing with substance abuse." --Frank Collins, PhD, Director of Clinical Programs, Oklahoma State University, Psychology Department

"Well organized and well written. Packed with useful information." --Ann Tomey, Indiana State University, Terre Haute; Recommended text; Graduate, courses have various titles

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

William R. Miller is Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of New Mexico, and Director of the Research Division of UNM's Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse, and Addictions. He has published 17 books and more than 100 articles and chapters, focusing primarily on the treatment of alcohol problems and addictive behaviors. He has developed and evaluated a variety of innovative clinical strategies and, along with G. Alan Marlatt, designed a comprehensive set of structured clinical interviews for pre-treatment and follow-up assessment of alcohol problems. He has held numerous research grants, founded a private practice, served as a consultant to many organizations, and currently holds a 5-year Senior Career Research Scientist Award from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
Stephen Rollnick has worked in the addictions field over the past 16 years as a clinician, supervisor, trainer, and manager. His research interests cover the process and outcome of treatment and training. The author of a variety of papers and articles on these and other topics, he currently works as a Principal Clinical Psychologist in a general practice setting and is completing collaborative studies with the World Health Organization and the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre in Sydney, Australia.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 348 pages
• Publisher: The Guilford Press (August 9, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0898625661
• ISBN-13: 978-0898625660
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.9 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,059,819 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

58 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well written, concise, a good balance of theory & practice, July 13, 2000

By 

Simon Jackson - See all my reviews

This review is from: Motivational Interviewing: Preparing People to Change Addictive Behavior (Paperback)

The basic premise of this book and indeed that of Motivational Interviewing (MI) is that we as individuals have problems and issues and furthermore that given the right circumstances we as individuals have the tools to resolve those issues and problems. Thus although the counsellor/therapist can enable change by creating a conducive environment that supports and sustains the process, it is the client who must be responsible for such change.

MI has a grounding in Rogerian therapy but it is more directive rather than non-directive. Commenting on this Miller and Rollnick write " ...the motivational interviewer proceeds with a strong sense of purpose, clear strategies and skills for pursuing that purpose, and a sense of timing to intervene in particular ways at incisive moments."

The book is split into three parts: Background, Practice and Clinical Applications. Thus there is an excellent balance between theoretical considerations and practical implications.

The authors outline five principles which underlie MI, these are:

1. Express Empathy

2. Develop Discrepancy

3. Avoid Argumentation

4. Roll with Resistance

5. Support Self-Efficacy

The book is clear and detailed in how these principles are to be put into practice at differing stages of the change process. It is this clarity - which incidentally runs throughout its pages - which makes 'Motivational Interviewing' such an easy yet, I feel essential read.

I work for a counselling service for those with alcohol related problems and this text is the one, which I encourage new members of staff and students on placement to read. Similarly, if you are interested in the subject matter of the change process, whether in terms of addictive behaviour or other more non-specific areas, I do recommend that you take a look 'Motivational Interviewing'.

A couple of years ago I attended a conference that Bill Miller had been addressing. It fell to him to make the closing comments. These were pertinent and to the point, however the most notable thing about the closing notes were that Miller sang them in a Country and Western style. A book by anybody that barmy deserves a read!

32 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well-written. Even advanced therapists will appreciate it., August 26, 1999

By 

Bob Yourell, LMFT ([e-mail] (Denver, Colorado, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Motivational Interviewing: Preparing People to Change Addictive Behavior (Paperback)

Although they emphasize substance abuse, the authors' system applies to almost every problem. It can cut your stress as it helps you become more artful and effective in helping clients actualize thier motivations toward success. Very clearly written, systematic, and enjoyable to read. Special populations are covered. Research is increasingly supporting this approach.

20 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Easy and practicle guide to changing behavior, May 24, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Motivational Interviewing: Preparing People to Change Addictive Behavior (Paperback)

I have worked with criminal offenders for the last 10 years and have found this approach outlined in the book extremely useful. The book is easy to read and follow. I have used the information with Batterers, sex offenders and substance abusers. The only offenders I have found it not appropriate for are "diagnosed" psychopaths.