ABSTRACT
This chapter begins by exploring motivational interviewing (MI) + cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) in the initiation of counseling wherein the therapeutic relationship is established and pertinent information is gathered via assessment. The implementation of MI+CBT is tailored to each client’s unique readiness to change, clinical needs, culture and identity, and contextual factors. The chapter explores how MI and CBT can be integrated as a blending of the two approaches throughout counseling. In most settings in which counseling services are provided, the first meeting with a client involves an intake assessment. Conceptualization begins with the first meeting with a client, and it serves as an ongoing hypothesis that is formulated with the information provided in the initial assessment and that is revised throughout treatment. In order to practice MI+CBT as a seamless integration of the approaches, the therapist must blend the underlying theories and foci of change to produce unified conceptualizations, as well as integrating the techniques.
