Motivational interviewing (MI) is a technique that is designed to give the client responsibility for making changes to his or her behavior through the assistance of a therapist assisting the client in working through client’s resistance. The basic motivational principles of motivation interviewing are “empathy, the development of discrepancy, avoiding argumentation, rolling with resistance, and supporting self‐efficacy” (CSAT, 1999). Tools that aid in motivation for change include self‐motivational statements, listening with empathy, questioning, presenting personal feedback, affirming the patient, handling resistance, and reframing (Prochaska, DiClemente, and Norcross, 1992). Motivational interviewing should be integrated …show more content…
Compared to CBT, MI is similar in its aims and goals but different in its approach. CBT is much more directive and MI is more reflective (Miller and Hester, 1986). Two studies that further explored the appropriateness of combining the two methods were Connors et al. (2002) and Stotts, Schmitz, Rhoades, and Grabowski (2001). Both found that they gave clients advantage to better utilize the treatment when combined. Further research is needed to identify if new change mechanisms occur when the two treatments are presented together. Overall the research shows that MI can have a positive effect on change and motivation in substance use treatment (Burke et al., …show more content…
Coping skills training is another major component to CBT (Carroll,1998). Many substance abuse users may have deficits when it comes to utilizing positive and healthy coping skills. These skills may have never been previously developed in the individual or may have been impaired due to their substance use (NCBI, 1999). Manualized treatments that guide individuals who are struggling with coping with cravings, coping with depression, communication skills, can work through sessions combining the distorted cognitions as well as the maladaptive behaviors (Carroll, 1998). A strength of CBT is the ability to individualize skills training that is specific to the needs of the client which can also be done by assessing client’s strengths and adaptive skills (DeNelsky and Boat,