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The Group Guide
Connecting people to community
Client and Family Education
What to know about

Motivational Interviewing groups

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, person-centered style that helps you explore and resolve ambivalence about change. Developed by Miller and Rollnick, it's adapted here for groups: rather than a fixed curriculum, the facilitator uses open questions, reflective listening, and affirmation to draw out your own reasons for change.

Who it's for, and who it's not

Best if you're ambivalent about a change, not yet fully committed to it.
Not confrontational, and never used to pressure you toward a set outcome.
If you're already ready for skill-building, CBT or DBT may fit better. In crisis? Call or text 988.

What it's used for

Substance use, health behavior change, corrections, and community mental health.
Well suited when being told what to do hasn't worked, or readiness to change varies.
Also used for chronic disease management, smoking cessation, and medication adherence.
What to expect
1Sessions usually run 60 to 90 minutes, with little fixed curriculum.
2Open questions, reflections, and consistent affirming of your autonomy and strengths.
3No pressure to commit to change. You don't need to have decided before you arrive.

MI has a strong, well-replicated evidence base, and group-delivered MI is catching up.

A meta-analysis of 119 studies across 25 years found MI produced small-to-medium effects on substance use, risk behavior, and treatment engagement.1
A 2021 trial in veterans found group MI cut alcohol use, drug use, and psychiatric severity more than supportive counseling, holding at 12 months.2
Making the most of it
Come as you are. Ambivalence is welcome, not a problem.
Name your own reasons. Your words for change carry the most.
No pressure to commit. Movement happens at your pace.
Questions to ask before you join
1Is the facilitator trained in MI, and in group MI specifically?
2Is this a brief lead-in, or an ongoing open group?
3Does it pair with other treatment if I decide to change?

Ready to find a group?

Browse 2,000+ therapy and support groups in all 50 states.

Free to browse  ·  No account needed  ·  thegroupguide.com

In crisis? Call or text 988 (US Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 24/7).

The Group Guide is a directory, not a clinic. This handout is general education, not medical or mental health advice. Listings are written by group leaders and are not endorsements. Confirm details, cost, and fit with any group you contact. Sources on page 2.

The Group Guide
Connecting people to community
Client and Family Education

Sources

Motivational Interviewing groups · references keyed to the numbers on page 1.

1Lundahl, B. W., Kunz, C., Brownell, C., Tollefson, D., & Burke, B. L. A meta-analysis of motivational interviewing: twenty-five years of empirical studies. Research on Social Work Practice (2010).

2Santa Ana, E. J., et al. Randomized controlled trial of group motivational interviewing for veterans with substance use disorders. Drug and Alcohol Dependence (2021).

In crisis? Call or text 988 (US Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 24/7).

The Group Guide is a directory, not a clinic. This handout is general education, not medical or mental health advice. Listings are written by group leaders and are not endorsements. Confirm details, cost, and fit with any group you contact.