Motivational Interviewing in Groups

It’s not hard to think about how the spirit and skills of Motivational Interviewing can translate into facilitating groups!

When I ran outpatient groups in a substance abuse clinic, I utilized Motivational Interviewing in groups all of the time! In one group, I brought in group topics to normalize ambivalence, explore motivation, and utilized tools like the free Values Card sort. I found that rather than feeling the need for me to champion change as a group facilitator, I could use MI to build group engagement, and elicit group members’ motivations for change in a way that truly would ignite change.

Another MI group I ran titled “Come As You Are,” where folks could drop in and receive non judgmental support for wherever they were in their substance use journey. (I still hum Nirvana’s song when I write that group title…if you grew up in the 90’s like me you probably do too!). Depending on the needs of the group that day, we would have topics around harm reduction, enhancing motivation and support for the changes they wanted for themselves.

Dr. Karen Ingersoll and Dr. Chris Wagner came out with the first Motivational Interviewing in groups book in 2012.

At that time, they wrote about how to use MI to engage the group, explore group members’ perspectives, broaden perspectives and move into action.

Dr. Ingersoll & Dr. Wagner are currently working on updates to this book, with a second education publication anticipated in 2025!
There are three core elements of Motivational Interviewing in groups: connection, direction, and momentum.
If you are curious about learning more about how to translate Motivational Interviewing in groups, check out this 1.5 hour webinar. We will explore how to emphasize a group process that fosters engagement, empowerment, and lasting change.

Join us for a FREE 1.5 hour workshop on Motivational Interviewing in groups on September 12th from 2-3:30pET (and if you can’t attend live, sign up for recording access!).

Dr.’s Ingersoll & Wagner are also going to facilitate a full day (6 hour) training on MI in Groups through MI Center for Change on October 24th. Registration is not live yet, so save the date and stay tuned if this interests you! Spots will be limited!

Connection is the heart of Motivational Interviewing in groups. Group members develop deep bonds with fellow members on the change pathway. Connection also involves internal processes – reconnecting with inner values, identity, and sense of purpose. Developing deeper connections between and within itself can be healing, as well as foster greater motivation to change.

Having a clear sense of direction fosters successful change. Group members may share specific goals like abstinence or medication adherence. Alternatively, the group may have a broader focus like wellness, while members pursue specific changes related to their own individual goals. Skillfully balancing individual and group direction helps members deepen and prepare together for focused change.

Change talk spreads throughout the group, igniting group change. Group momentum and individual change fuel each other. As members try new things, others feel more empowered to take chances themselves, and mutual support fuels change both inside and outside the group sessions. Ending well allows members to internalize that energy to continue their journey in their daily lives, developing processes to support ongoing change and growth.

MI Tip of the Week: Whether you run groups or are a supervisor that facilitates team meetings, the spirit and skills of Motivational Interviewing in groups can enhance connection and change. Consider the three core elements of Motivational Interviewing in groups: connection, direction, and momentum. These elements are very similar to the first three tasks of Motivational Interviewing: engagement, focus and evocation.

Watch my full video here!