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The Motivational Interviewing Path to Personal Change: The Essential Workbook for Creating the Life You Want

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What do you really want in life? The powerful approach in this workbook will help you identify what’s important to you, so you can achieve real change—healthily, happily, and sustainably.

It’s said that the only constant in life is change. It should be said that obstacles to change are another constant, and they’re too often standing between you and a life spent thriving. Whether you’re trying to better manage your money, exercise more, or stop addictive behaviors, making positive life changes can be a huge challenge. On top of the inner turmoil of struggling with a big life change, you may face external roadblocks in the form of friends, family, and colleagues who might not understand how to best support you. So, how do you prepare yourself for this journey toward healthy, positive change?

The Motivational Interviewing Path to Personal Change combines forty years of research-proven strategies along with skills from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to help you get started on the path to positive change. Using motivational interviewing (MI) tools, you’ll identify specific behavioral targets you would like to work on. You’ll also learn to connect with your intrinsic motivation to figure out the “Why?” of your journey, so you can commit to positive behavior changes consistent with your values. Finally, you’ll use your newfound skills to maximize your goals, overcome obstacles, and gain a healthier perspective on life.

If you’re ready to embark on a journey of self-reflection, determination, and improvement, let this guide show you the way to making real, sustainable changes. Go ahead, take the first step!

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2023

15 people are currently reading
64 people want to read

About the author

Michelle L. Drapkin

4 books2 followers

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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Profile Image for Laura Saunders.
1 review1 follower
October 12, 2023
This book is promoted as a way to help yourself through the hard work of changing your behaviors or thoughts. The difference between this book and other self-directed workbooks, is that in this book, you're being skillfully, honestly and charmingly guided by the ever present Dr. Michelle Drapkin. You will experience her true and genuine self in such as way as to feel truly supported throughout your entire journey. Dr. Drapkin is recognized for her immense knowledge of the science of behavior change strategies. What's most important to the reader of this book is that she goes all in with her passion for helping. You'll feel wrapped in compassion through her use of humor, accessible language, well placed self-disclosure and a gigantic heart for all of humanity. This book is for anyone who struggles to change their behaviors... in other words, all of us.
Profile Image for Markie.
474 reviews34 followers
July 30, 2023
Title: The Motivational Interviewing Path to Personal Change
Subtitle: The Essential Workbook for Creating the Life You Want
Author: Michelle Drapkin

Review:

"The Motivational Interviewing Path to Personal Change" by Michelle Drapkin is a comprehensive and empowering workbook that offers readers the tools and strategies to embark on a journey of positive and sustainable life changes. In a world where change is the only constant, this book recognizes the obstacles that often stand in the way of personal growth and thriving.

The book draws from over forty years of research-proven techniques, combining elements of Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Through the integration of these approaches, readers are presented with a holistic and effective roadmap to initiate and maintain positive behavior changes.

At the heart of the book lies Motivational Interviewing, a collaborative and person-centered approach that helps individuals identify specific behavioral targets they wish to work on. By using MI tools, readers are guided to connect with their intrinsic motivation, delving into the "Why?" behind their journey toward positive change. This deeper understanding allows individuals to align their behavioral goals with their core values, increasing the likelihood of long-term commitment and success.

Michelle Drapkin's workbook format encourages self-reflection and active engagement. Readers are prompted to identify their personal areas of growth and develop actionable plans to overcome obstacles and challenges. The exercises and activities provided in the book enable readers to gain a healthier perspective on life and cultivate a sense of determination and resilience.

One of the book's strengths is its recognition of external roadblocks that individuals may encounter during their journey of change. The author addresses the potential lack of understanding and support from friends, family, and colleagues, offering strategies to navigate such situations effectively.

"The Motivational Interviewing Path to Personal Change" is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to make real, sustainable improvements in their life. Its clear and accessible language makes it suitable for both beginners and those familiar with motivational interviewing and related therapeutic techniques.

Overall, Michelle Drapkin's workbook is a compassionate and empowering guide that equips readers with the necessary tools to embark on a transformative journey of self-improvement. If you are ready to embrace positive change and take the first step toward creating the life you want, this book offers the guidance and support needed to make that journey a success.
Profile Image for Sharon Danzger.
Author 1 book14 followers
August 28, 2023
What a great workbook! The author guides you through a series of simple and impactful exercises to help you create behavior change that is YOUR creation. No judging, no “shoulds.” This evidence-based book feels like you are talking with a wise friend who is there to support you in being the best version of yourself…however you define it. If you are looking to change a behavior and want to try it on your own, this is the book for you! I can’t wait to share this with friends and coaching clients who struggle with how to get started.
1 review
September 29, 2023
I've recently retired from an exhilirating and challenging career, after which I faced some challenging health issues that forced me to put off figuring out retired life. Once I was on the road to recovery I struggled with what I want my retired life to look like. Enter the attached book by the amazing Michelle Drapkin, PhD ABPP. This book could have many different titles: "How to Navigate Retirement and Find Out What You Really Want In Your Life Now" (as opposed to what you wanted when you were working, or parenting, etc.) or "How to Navigate a Serious Illness and Realize Your Priorities Have Completely Changed " ,"How to Figure Out What I Want My Life To Look Like Now That I Don't Have 112 Bosses" or simply "I'm over 60! How Do I Finally Live Life I Like I Want To Instead of Like I Think I Should". Michelle's writing style is simple, understandable and conversational. It's like I'm having a conversation with a friend who's got a great sense of humor and wonderful advice. The exercises and worksheets (easily downloadable since I read on a Kindle) are easy, fun and SO helpful. I cannot recommend this book enough if you're trying to make any kind of life change, movement or adjustment. Big, small or inbetween.

And, huge shoutout to Jill Stoddard, Ph.D. and my new FAVORITE podcast Psychologists Off The Clock where I learned about Michelle and this book!
Profile Image for Amy.
Author 1 book46 followers
August 26, 2023
I've used motivational interviewing in my work for almost two decades now. It was a delight to pick up The Motivational Interviewing Path to Personal Change and find content that is super-accessible and easy to read, but still gave me new insights and tips on a topic I know well. There's something about an expert taking you along on a conversational journey that helps shed new light on how you might use tools like MI.

Aside from the excellent content, I also recommend this book for Drapkin's friendly and supportive approach. The workbook is not preachy or judgmental, but feels like talking to a really smart friend who wants to help you deal with whatever's stopping you from your goals. Although I read the book with an eye toward my work, I could see it being a very valuable companion to someone who is working with a therapist or who wants to make some self-improvement but isn't sure where to start.

Whether you're new to the world of MI or already know a lot on the topic, The Motivational Interviewing Path to Personal Change has something to offer!
Profile Image for Hillary Bolter.
1 review2 followers
August 28, 2023
We all know that Motivational Interviewing is an extremely effective evidence-based approach for helping professionals, but how can one use it to support personal change? Dr Drapkin has done it! Dr. Drapkin has crafted an excellent workbook walking the reader through the change process. The reader will feel joyfully supported through the changes they seek. Her wisdom, relatability and humor comes through as she walks you through an effective change process. As a therapist, this is a book I will definitely recommend for clients! I can equally use this workbook to support my own personal change. The workbook exercises are evidence-based, which can sound dry, but Dr. Drapkin has made them relatable and doable for anyone seeking personal change! Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Megan Gunnell.
1 review4 followers
August 23, 2023
If you're looking for a comprehensive guide to Motivational Interviewing, this is it! The author includes detailed descriptions, workbook exercises, examples and easy to follow information to help you or your clients with self-improvement. What I also loved about this book was ease of use! You do not have to read it cover to cover. You can flip around and use the sections that are most valuable to you. I've been a therapist in private practice for over 20 years, my only regret is not having access to this book sooner! An incredible resource for you and your clients.
Author 2 books5 followers
September 20, 2023
As a clinical psychologist who uses motivational interviewing techniques in my practice, I can't recommend this book highly enough! Dr. Drapkin has created an incredibly user-friendly guide to change, relaying evidence-based strategies in a warm, encouraging voice. You'll feel like she's your personal cheerleader, walking you through all the stages of the change process. If you want to make big changes in your life but don't know where to start, look no further than this terrific book.
Profile Image for Kate Henderson.
1,570 reviews51 followers
August 16, 2023
I found this book to be overly complicated and slightly overwhelming.
Didn't get it.
Not for me!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews

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