Motivational interviewing in the treatment of psychological problems

(from the jacket) From its origins in the field of substance abuse treatment, motivational interviewing (MI) is increasingly being used to help people with a wide range of psychological problems. This cutting-edge volume brings together leading experts to present novel applications of MI in mental health practice. Highly practical and accessible, yet grounded in theory and research, the book provides a wealth of effective strategies for helping clients resolve ambivalence and mobilize their energy, commitment, and personal resources for change. Following an introductory overview, chapters focus on specific frequently encountered clinical problems and contexts. Contributors discuss how they have used MI either as a pretreatment or throughout the course of treatment for anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, suicidal behavior, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, gambling addictions, schizophrenia, and dual diagnoses. Also covered is a model for reducing recidivism in the criminal justice system. Each tightly edited chapter concisely describes the disorder or population under discussion, demonstrates how MI components have been integrated with standard therapeutic approaches, illustrates the nuts and bolts of intervention, and reviews the empirical evidence base. Extensive session transcripts and vignettes not only show how a skilled practitioner responds to clients in particular situations, but also offer insights into the process of clinical decision making and problem solving. Rounding out the volume, the concluding chapter identifies important future directions for MI practice and research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (jacket)