Motivational Interviewing in Groups: Group Process Considerations

Motivational interviewing (MI) has emerged as an evidence-based practice for addiction treatment. Firmly rooted in the client-centered schools of therapy, key concepts include the “spirit” of MI, the 4 processes, microskills, and the provision of feedback, advice, and suggestions within an MI framework. Strategies for adapting this approach to group therapy are reviewed and include strategies for blending individual and group processes, responding to change talk within the group setting, normalizing motivational differences, and incorporating skills-training protocols.