Motivational Interviewing in Social Work Practice (Applications of Motivational Interviewing) - Softcover

Social workers routinely encounter clients who are wrestling with ambivalence about changing behavior-even behavior that is clearly harmful to themselves or others. This reader-friendly book introduces practitioners and students to motivational interviewing (MI), an evidence-based communication method that helps clients draw on their strengths to commit to and implement positive changes. Melinda Hohman and her associates demonstrate what MI looks like in action, how it transforms interactions with clients, and how to integrate the approach into social work practice in a wide range of settings.

 

The book reviews the fundamentals of MI and describes core skills, including the use of open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries. MI emphasizes supporting clients' autonomy and eliciting their ideas and values pertaining to important life choices, making it eminently compatible with social work principles. Chapters illustrate ways that MI can enhance assessment, promote engagement and self-efficacy, and supplement other interventions and group work. Innovative applications are discussed in substance abuse treatment, mental health, child welfare, school social work, community organizing, and other areas. Extensive case examples and annotated sample dialogues in nearly every chapter bring the concepts to life, helping readers build their own repertoires of MI skills. The volume also summarizes the research base for MI and presents best practices in training, teaching, and agency-wide integration.

 

The first guide to MI written by and for social workers, this book belongs on the desks of practitioners in any setting or specialty area. Graduate students and instructors will find it an accessible, uniquely useful text.