Customer Reviews

Motivational Interviewing: Preparing People to Change Addictive Behavior

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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!

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.

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.

Whenever I feel depressed about the effectiveness of the addiction treatment field and its wandering moral compass, I pull out my dog-eared copy of the First Edition of Miller and Rollnick's Motivational Interviewing and read the initial chapter (this chapter only appears in its original form in the FIRST edition, though). Suddenly, I am reminded of the values and principles that made me enter healthcare in the first place, and my spirit is refreshed and propelled forward for a couple more years. I have never read any passage that has resonated with me more, both professionally and personally. Its force of argument, clarity of moral vision, and dedication to evidence-based decision making is as historic in its influence as it is inspiring. I try to snap up as many copies of the first edition as I can find and afford, and give them to the young minds of promise I meet beginning their careers in the treatment of addiction.

This book is the original on the topic, and now a classic in the field.