Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change, Fourth Edition (Hardcover) by William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick

Transform Your Counseling Practice with Motivational Interviewing Fourth Edition – The Gold Standard in Behavior Change Therapy

About the Book

Motivational Interviewing has become the most widely adopted evidence-based approach for facilitating behavior change in healthcare and counseling settings worldwide. This fourth edition represents decades of clinical research and real-world application, offering professionals a compassionate, client-centered method that respects autonomy while guiding people toward positive transformation. The book goes beyond theory to provide practical techniques, conversation examples, and implementation strategies that work across diverse populations and settings. You’ll learn how to engage resistant clients, strengthen commitment to change, and build therapeutic relationships that produce lasting results.

From the Back Cover

“The definitive guide to a proven approach that helps people find their own motivation to change—revised and expanded with the latest research and real-world applications for today’s healthcare challenges.”

About the Author

William R. Miller, Ph.D., is Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of New Mexico, where he developed the foundational principles of Motivational Interviewing. Stephen Rollnick, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and professor who has trained healthcare professionals worldwide in MI techniques. Together, they’ve shaped modern therapeutic practice through their groundbreaking research and dedication to improving patient outcomes. Their combined expertise in clinical psychology, addiction treatment, and health behavior change has influenced millions of practitioners across more than 50 countries.

Who Is This Book For?

This book is essential for psychologists, counselors, social workers, physicians, nurses, health coaches, and anyone working to help others make positive life changes. If you’re a healthcare professional struggling to motivate patients, a therapist seeking more effective intervention strategies, or a student preparing for clinical practice, this resource provides the framework you need. It’s particularly valuable for those working in addiction treatment, chronic disease management, mental health counseling, and wellness coaching where client ambivalence and resistance are common challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is motivational interviewing and how does it work?
Motivational interviewing is a collaborative, person-centered counseling approach that strengthens an individual’s own motivation for change by exploring and resolving ambivalence. It works by engaging clients in non-confrontational dialogue, eliciting their personal reasons for change, and supporting their autonomy rather than imposing external pressure.

Q: Who should read Motivational Interviewing Fourth Edition?
This book is designed for healthcare professionals, therapists, counselors, social workers, psychologists, and students in clinical training programs. Anyone working in addiction treatment, health behavior change, mental health services, or patient care will benefit from these evidence-based techniques.

Q: What’s new in the fourth edition of Motivational Interviewing?
The fourth edition includes updated research findings, refined MI techniques based on decades of clinical feedback, expanded applications across healthcare settings, and new chapters addressing common implementation challenges. It reflects the evolution of MI practice and incorporates lessons learned from global training experiences.

Q: Can motivational interviewing techniques be used for anxiety and depression?
Yes, MI techniques are highly effective for addressing mental health concerns including anxiety and depression, especially when ambivalence about treatment or lifestyle changes is present. The approach helps clients explore their own motivations for recovery while respecting their pace and readiness for change.

Q: How long does it take to learn motivational interviewing skills?
While basic MI principles can be understood quickly, developing proficiency typically requires ongoing practice, feedback, and refinement over several months. This book provides the foundational knowledge and practical exercises needed to begin implementing MI immediately, with guidance for continued skill development through practice and supervision.