Motivational Interviewing Research Paper

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MI with Co-Occurring Disorders Courtney Cheatham Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences SASS 500 Motivational Interviewing Jeremy Evenden March 7, 2012 Abstract Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a client-centered, yet goal-directed counseling method for helping people to resolve ambivalence about health behavior change by building intrinsic motivation and strengthening commitment (Miller & Rollnick, 2002). It is an evidence-based treatment intervention founded on principles from humanistic psychology; it seeks to increase motivation for change through resolution of ambivalence and an increase in perceived self-efficacy. MI focuses on the relationship between the therapist and the patient. It is an intervention developed by…show more content…
There is an increased risk of non-compliance due to: lack of insight, side effects and subjective response to medication. Lastly, a significant problem is substance use. Substance use/abuse can lead to an exacerbation of psychotic symptoms and suppression of the effect of antipsychotic medication. Barkhof et al. (2006) states that substance abuse frequently leads to conflict with family members, causing higher levels of expressed emotions, equaling a psychotic relapse. Lastly, substance abuse may further compromise cognitive functioning, which is already impaired in patients with schizophrenia. Other challenges to this population include: patient difficulty tracking or organizing responses to complex questions (Martino et al.,…show more content…
There must be a hierarchy of treatment goals, making basic needs and safety a priority. Patients typically use drugs and/or alcohol as coping mechanisms during the initial stages of psychiatric treatment and during treatment. Frequently, the best option for a therapist is to increase motivation for harm reduction and “sampling sobriety.” Ultimately, it is the client’s responsibility to choose where to start/how to proceed, which is determined by readiness for action (Miller & Rollnick, 2002). The three-legged stool model of dual diagnosis recovery (staying clean and sober, taking your medications, and participating in a dual diagnosis program) helps dually diagnosed patients make productive change in their lives (Martino et al, 2002). Sciacca (1997) listed aspects of dual diagnosis treatment in MI, such as: a) Forego traditional treatment readiness criteria and begin at the client’s stage of readiness/motivation and the degree of symptomatology b) Do not utilize intense, confrontational interventions in response to denial or
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