Building Motivational Interviewing Skills

“This book is excellent for learning the basics of motivational interviewing. It is easy to read, written by an expert in the field, and contains numerous reproducible forms that can be used with clients. It should in the libraries of novice and seasoned therapists alike because it provides excellent therapeutic tools. The second edition is justified because of the burgeoning amount of research in the past eight years, and it has been fully revised around the four process model of MI.”

—Doody's Review Service


“Practical, down to earth, realistically encouraging, and deceptively simple to read. The workbook takes the practitioner step-wise through the spirit of MI and its techniques....By the end of the workbook, I felt more confident in my knowledge of MI and in my ability to apply the concepts to my clinical work.”

—Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic (on the first edition)


“An informative read for those providers wanting their patients to improve their health behaviors but not seeing positive changes with their current methods.”

—Journal of the National Medical Association (on the first edition)


“Learning how to create motivationally enhancing conversations with MI requires the right spirit, strategies, and skills. Let Rosengren be your coach by using this second edition of his wonderful manual. Drawing on his wisdom and experience as a practitioner and trainer, Rosengren offers valuable information, tests to check your understanding of MI, and innovative exercises to build skills and implement strategies. This book offers a pathway to becoming competent and skilled in MI. All you have to do is read, reflect, and practice, practice, practice.”

—Carlo C. DiClemente, PhD, ABPP, Department of Psychology (Emeritus), University of Maryland, Baltimore County


“Regardless of your theoretical orientation, this book presents MI in a usable and engaging style. It offers practical, 'how-to' information that can readily be applied in practice. This book is relevant for clinicians new to MI, as well as experienced practitioners looking to hone their skills.”

—Nancy M. Petry, PhD, Professor of Medicine, UConn Health


“This book is simple and practical, yet sophisticated and highly informed by theory. What really shines through is the clear thinking in the explanations and carefully chosen examples of good MI, which are among the best out there. The book works well as a study guide for those who have taken an introductory workshop and want to improve their practice; MI trainers will want to read it for the many training ideas.”

—Guy Undrill, PhD, MRCPsych, Consultant Psychiatrist, 2gether NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom; member, Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT)


“Rosengren has done it again! This valuable second edition will replace many a well-worn, dog-eared copy on the bookshelves of seasoned clinicians, and it is a 'must read' for trainees. This volume incorporates updated concepts of MI, including the four-process model. It is chock-full of user-friendly, field-tested exercises that facilitate learning of not only the concepts, but also the spirit of MI. Few authors have as thorough an understanding of how to teach others to use MI. Rosengren is a veteran trainer whose wisdom comes through—as do his warmth and humor. I will use this book in all of my classes for social workers, psychologists, and medical students alike.”

—Mary Marden Velasquez, PhD, Director, Health Behavior Research and Training Institute, School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin


“No matter what kind of clients you treat, as a mental health clinician you’re bound to come across clients who are ambivalent about changing behavior—whether it’s not recognizing the problem, not committing to change, or not sticking with the treatment plan. Rosengren gives you solid tools for how to help these clients get moving along the path to change. Packed with case examples and experiential exercises, this book is a great resource that will be a powerful addition to your clinical toolbox.”

—David F. Tolin, PhD, ABPP, Director, Anxiety Disorders Center, The Institute of Living–Hartford Hospital