FAQ
How do I apply motivational interviewing in a group setting?
How do I deal with a difficult group?
Is gender imbalance in a group a problem?
How do I engage quieter group members?
What’s the ideal group size?
How can I best use norms feedback with the young people in my group?
Why does group MI work so well with young people?
Do these programs engage parents as well?
Is there any one thing about facilitating a group that’s most important to remember?
Why does a brief group MI program like AWARE work well with young adults experiencing homelessness?
Several important considerations differentiate group from individual MI. Group MI balances the more complicated interpersonal dynamics of the group process (e.g., monitoring between-client conversations, group cohesion, and peer influence) alongside the individual experiences and needs of the participants, which may require simultaneous yet differing responses from the facilitator. For example, the facilitator may need to respond to a young person who is not ready to change and, at the same time, actively maintain the commitment-to-change language of another participant.
- Be clear about the goals and rules of the session and maintain this focus throughout the group.
- Keep groups small (fewer than 9-10 members) and sessions brief.
- Generate discussion among participants and use their examples throughout the session.
- Initiate and maintain a positive and judgment-free atmosphere (e.g., state that everyone is different and that the strategies discussed in group may work for some, whereas other strategies may work for others).
Susie Holmes
Principal
Torrance Unified School District
