Integrating Motivational Interviewing into the Treatment of Anxiety and Related Disorders

Although evidence-based treatments for anxiety disorders are well established, many clients do not benefit, or see only partial benefit. Client readiness, or motivation, to engage in treatment is frequently cited as a reason for suboptimal response and client dropout. Motivational interviewing (MI) is a therapeutic approach design to help resolve ambivalence about change, and has been suggested as an adjunct to evidence-based treatments. This chapter provides an overview of integrating MI and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for the treatment of clients with anxiety disorders. The empirical evidence base supporting the use of MI with CBT is reviewed, followed by a case study to illustrate the delivery of MI with CBT.