Applying motivational interviewing principles in a modified interpersonal group for comorbid addiction

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Addiction Medicine
• Group Therapy

Background:

• Modified interpersonal group therapy (MIGT) typically requires abstinence.
• Group-based motivational interviewing (MI) applications are often highly structured.

Purpose of the Study:

• To extend MIGT to non-abstinent patients in early stages of change.
• To introduce a novel, process-oriented group intervention for MI.
• To explore the interpersonal dynamics of substance use disclosures in group therapy.

Main Methods:

• Application of MI principles within a modified interpersonal group therapy (MIGT) framework.
• Focus on the here-and-now experience of substance use disclosures.
• Prioritizing horizontal exploration of patient disclosures and their interpersonal impact.

Main Results:

• Encouraged open discussion of ambivalence and shifting motivational states.
• Utilized interpersonal impact of disclosures to elicit change talk.
• Reinforced self-motivational statements emerging from group interactions.

Conclusions:

• MI principles can be effectively integrated into a process-oriented MIGT for non-abstinent individuals.
• This approach facilitates discussion of ambivalence and promotes change talk in group settings.
• The model is applicable to patients with comorbid mental illness and addiction.