Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness

The combined application of motivational interviewing (MI) and mindfulness (MF) can be fundamental in fostering behavioral change and growth among patients struggling with medical and psychological conditions, such as chronic pain or depression. Many wonder whether combining the two modalities is a doable and effective clinical intervention strategy. Integrating Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness guides practitioners through the process, exploring ’a way of being’ with patients that digs into the fluid and ever-evolving territory of MI and MF within healthcare settings.

Split into three parts, this guide provides practitioners and trainees with a conceptual toolkit and set of practical strategies for integrating the evidence-based interventions of MI and MF to enhance patient-centered communication and facilitate behavioral change. It offers innovative ways to incorporate the spirit and skills of motivational interviewing for empowering the patient’s autonomous self-regulation with components of mindfulness, such as compassion and acceptance. Throughout, the authors discuss their clinical and scientific perspectives with the best empirical data available, identifying where the integration of MI and MF is readily applicable and useful, and where there may be challenges. Chapters also feature clinical vignettes showcasing the integration of MI and MF in real-word clinical practice, accompanied by evidence-based discussion, personal reflections, and self-assessment questions that summarise key concepts.

This is a guide by practitioners for practitioners in healthcare, no matter what the specialty or setting, but will be especially relevant for those in the fields of psychiatry, internal medicine, and family medicine.

Antoine Douaihy is a Professor of Psychiatry & Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and Senior Academic Director of Addiction Medicine Services of Western Psychiatric Hospital at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). Dr Douaihy has focused his career on patient care, education, training, programs development, advocacy, and research in the field of addiction, psychology of behavior, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing. He has a well-established record in conducting multisite clinical trials. He has been practicing yoga and mindfulness meditation since 1996. He has also been involved in training and supervising medical trainees and psychology interns in motivational interviewing (MI), mindfulness (MF), self-care, and self-compassion practices since 2000 at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and the Department of Psychiatry. His clinical practice focuses on integrating MI and MF modalities and other behavioral therapies.

Melanie A. Gold is a Special Lecturer (former Professor) in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child and Adolescent Health, Section of Adolescent Medicine at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and a Special Lecturer (former Professor) in the Department of Population & Family Health at Mailman School of Public Health. She was Medical Director of the New York Presbyterian (NYP) School Based Health Centers (SBHCs) from 2014 to 2022. She is an osteopathic physician, pediatrician, and board-certified in adolescent medicine. She is a Diplomat of the American Board of Medical Acupuncture since 2014, completed a three year doctorate in Medical Qigong in 2017, and is the recipient of the 2024 Pioneer Award in Integrative Medicine from the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Section on Integrative Medicine. She trained in Motivational Interviewing (MI) with Allen Zuckoff and Terri Moyers in 1998 and joined as a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers in 2000.