Motivational Interviewing with Families

While motivational interviewing (MI) was developed as a counseling approach for individuals, it also has tremendous utility for helping families change and grow. This book offers the first comprehensive guide to adapting MI skills to engage families--including reluctant members--in therapy and mobilize family-level change processes. Extensive annotated sample dialogues show how MI can be integrated with any therapy approach for families struggling with mental health problems, addictions, relationship challenges, difficult life transitions, or other concerns. Special features include boxed sidebars, reflection questions, and practice exercises. The Appendix and companion website provide additional helpful resources for using MI with families.

This book is in the Applications of Motivational Interviewing series, edited by Stephen Rollnick, William R. Miller, and Theresa B. Moyers.

Douglas C. Smith, PhD, LCSW, is Professor of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) and co-chair of MINT’s Professional Development Committee. Dr. Smith is a recipient of the Deborah K. Padgett Early Career Achievement Award from the Society for Social Work and Research. His research and publications focus on motivational interviewing and on developing and testing substance use interventions--including family therapies--for adolescents and emerging adults.