Motivational Interviewing with Families

“This timely and useful book provides valuable insights on how MI principles and practices can be integrated with family treatment approaches. Drawing on both empirical evidence and practice experience, Smith clearly demonstrates ways that MI skills (such as reflections) can be combined with family techniques (such as pivoting) to build rapport, resolve ambivalence, and enhance motivation for change. This book can be readily used in foundation and advanced practice courses for graduate students, and is well worth reading for practitioners who want to improve their clinical work with families.”

—Allen Zweben, LCSW, PhD, Columbia University School of Social Work (Emeritus)


“Smith has written a tour de force that combines compassion and sophisticated clinical wisdom with a review of relevant scholarship, and points to the way to future research. Rich clinical examples illustrate each concept, and summary tables consolidate the main points of each chapter. Worksheets and exercises give the reader hands-on practice throughout the book. While practicing clinicians will be particularly drawn to this book, graduate students in clinical training will find it a thoughtful introduction to MI and the unique challenges of treating families in distress. The clear and easy writing makes the book a pleasure to read.”

—Barbara S. McCrady, PhD, Distinguished Professor Emerita, Department of Psychology and Center on Alcohol, Substance use, And Addictions, University of New Mexico