11 Best Motivational Interviewing Books for Compassionate Change (2021)

Introduction to Motivational Interviewing

Motivational interviewing is a powerful, compassionate approach to helping people make positive changes in their lives. Developed by clinical psychologists William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick, this method focuses on exploring a person’s own motivations and resolving ambivalence about change. Whether you’re a therapist, counselor, coach, or simply interested in personal growth, motivational interviewing books can provide valuable insights and techniques for fostering meaningful transformation.

In this article, we’ll explore 11 of the best motivational interviewing books available in 2021. These resources offer a wealth of knowledge to support your journey in understanding and applying this empathetic, client-centered approach.

The Foundational Texts

To begin our exploration, let’s look at the core texts that form the foundation of motivational interviewing:

“Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change” by William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick – This seminal work is now in its third edition and remains the definitive guide to motivational interviewing. Miller and Rollnick provide a comprehensive overview of the method, its spirit, and its practical applications.
“Building Motivational Interviewing Skills: A Practitioner Workbook” by David B. Rosengren – This hands-on workbook offers exercises and activities to help practitioners develop their motivational interviewing skills. It’s an excellent companion to the core text, providing practical ways to implement the theory.

Applying Motivational Interviewing in Different Fields

Motivational interviewing has applications across various domains. These books explore its use in specific areas:

“Motivational Interviewing in Health Care: Helping Patients Change Behavior” by Stephen Rollnick, William R. Miller, and Christopher C. Butler – This book focuses on applying motivational interviewing techniques in healthcare settings to promote patient behavior change.
“Motivational Interviewing in Schools: Conversations to Improve Behavior and Learning” by Stephen Rollnick, Sebastian G. Kaplan, and Richard Rutschman – Tailored for educators, this book shows how motivational interviewing can be used to improve student engagement and outcomes.
“Motivational Interviewing in Nutrition and Fitness” by Dawn Clifford and Laura Curtis – This practical guide demonstrates how motivational interviewing can be applied in nutrition counseling and fitness coaching.

Deepening Your Understanding

For those looking to delve deeper into the nuances of motivational interviewing, these books offer advanced insights:

“Motivational Interviewing in the Treatment of Psychological Problems” edited by Hal Arkowitz, William R. Miller, and Stephen Rollnick – This book explores the application of motivational interviewing in treating various psychological issues, from anxiety to eating disorders.
“Motivational Interviewing in Groups” by Christopher C. Wagner and Karen S. Ingersoll – This unique resource adapts motivational interviewing principles for group settings, offering new possibilities for facilitators and therapists.

Practical Guides and Workbooks

For those who prefer a more hands-on approach to learning, these practical guides and workbooks are invaluable:

“Motivational Interviewing: A Guide for Medical Trainees” by Antoine Douaihy, Thomas M. Kelly, and Melanie A. Gold – This book provides clear, practical guidance for medical professionals looking to incorporate motivational interviewing into their practice.
“Motivational Interviewing for Leaders in the Helping Professions” by Colleen Marshall and Anette Søgaard Nielsen – This resource focuses on how leaders in helping professions can use motivational interviewing principles to inspire and guide their teams.
“The Motivational Interviewing Workbook: Exercises to Decide What You Want and How to Get There” by Angela Wood – This workbook offers practical exercises for individuals looking to apply motivational interviewing principles to their own lives and goals.

Integrating Motivational Interviewing with Other Approaches

Finally, for those interested in combining motivational interviewing with other therapeutic approaches:

“Doing Motivational Interviewing: A Practitioner Workbook and DVD” by Stephen Rollnick, William R. Miller, and Chris Butler – This multimedia package includes a DVD demonstrating motivational interviewing techniques, making it an excellent resource for visual learners.

FAQ: Common Questions About Motivational Interviewing Books

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about motivational interviewing books:

Q: Which book should I start with if I’m new to motivational interviewing?
A: “Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change” by Miller and Rollnick is the best starting point for beginners. It provides a comprehensive overview of the approach.
Q: Are there any books that focus on self-application of motivational interviewing?
A: Yes, “The Motivational Interviewing Workbook” by Angela Wood is designed for individuals looking to apply motivational interviewing principles to their own lives.
Q: Which book is best for healthcare professionals?
A: “Motivational Interviewing in Health Care” by Rollnick, Miller, and Butler is specifically tailored for healthcare settings.
Q: Are there any books that include video demonstrations?
A: Yes, “Doing Motivational Interviewing” by Rollnick, Miller, and Butler includes a DVD with demonstrations of motivational interviewing techniques.
Q: Is there a book that focuses on group applications of motivational interviewing?
A: “Motivational Interviewing in Groups” by Wagner and Ingersoll is dedicated to adapting motivational interviewing for group settings.

In conclusion, these 11 motivational interviewing books offer a wealth of knowledge and practical guidance for anyone interested in this compassionate, client-centered approach to facilitating change. Whether you’re a professional in a helping field or simply interested in personal growth, these resources can provide valuable insights into the art of motivational interviewing. Remember, the journey of learning and applying these techniques is ongoing, and each of these books can contribute to your growth and effectiveness in supporting positive change.