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The Motivational Interviewing Path to Personal Change: The Essential Workbook for Creating the Life You Want Paperback – September 1, 2023
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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!
- Print length184 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherNew Harbinger Publications
- Publication dateSeptember 1, 2023
- Dimensions8 x 0.41 x 10 inches
- ISBN-10164848154X
- ISBN-13978-1648481543
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
—Steven C. Hayes, PhD, originator of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
“As we come to understand psychological principles more clearly, it becomes possible for people to learn and apply them in their own lives. In this clearly written book, Michelle Drapkin conveys insights from forty years of research on motivational interviewing (MI) that can be applied to understand and shape your own motivation for change.”
—William R. Miller, PhD, emeritus distinguished professor of psychology and psychiatry at The University of New Mexico
“This book is a gem! Having worked alongside Drapkin for many years, I have witnessed firsthand her applied science approach to human behavior and to truly helping people. This book combines her knowledge, excellent communication skills, empathy, and wit. Everyone will benefit from this book at their own pace, with limitless potential for positive impact in your life. It’s truly wonderful to see such an important contribution to people’s lives.”
—Jack Groppel, internationally recognized pioneer in the science of human performance, and hall-of-fame coach who has authored dozens of books and publications
“The science of MI permeates this book. More importantly, Drapkin permeates this book. What a companion she is! You will get to know a kind, funny, helpful, open, and wise psychologist. She is ready to become your biggest supporter, to accomplish what until now has been so difficult. You will need to do your part, but her presence may make what seemed impossible, quite possible.”
—A. Tom Horvath, PhD, ABPP, president of Practical Recovery Psychology Group; and author of Sex, Drugs, Gambling, and Chocolate
“If you’ve been working on a goal or change for longer than you’d care to admit, stop whatever you’re doing that isn’t working, and pick up this book! Drapkin provides a simple, user-friendly, engaging, and insightful process to help you tap into your motivation, reduce interferences, and stay enthusiastic through the change process.”
—Deborah Grayson Riegel, MSW, communication coach, and author of Go to Help
“Behavior change is HARD, especially if you’re not one hundred percent sure you want to or can change. Drapkin has come to the rescue with The Motivational Interviewing Path to Personal Change. Her guidance is clear, enthusiastic, and most of all...motivating! I highly recommend this book for anyone who is thinking about making a change and could use a wise guide to help show the way.”
—Jill Stoddard, PhD, author of Imposter No More, and cohost of the Psychologists Off the Clock podcast
“I’ve never read a workbook in which the author’s voice was more alive in the words. Michelle Drapkin’s humor, empathy, and insight suffuse every page of The Motivational Interviewing Path to Personal Change. In line with the spirit of MI, she embraces both/and thinking: This is your journey, and she will accompany you every step of the way.”
—Seth Gillihan, PhD, host of the Think Act Be podcast, and author of Mindful Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
“What a lovely guide for change! Thank you, Michelle Drapkin, for sitting in the living room with us and guiding us through the changes we hope for in our life. It is rare to get true expertise in the science of change, wrapped in a personal sense of being held and guided through this process we all face day to day: how to move toward the life we truly want.”
—Jeff Foote, PhD, clinical psychologist; and cofounder of the Center for Motivation and Change (CMC), and the CMC: Foundation for Change
“If you are looking for inspiration for personal movement forward or engagement in values-based living, then The Motivational Interviewing Path to Personal Change is the exact book you have been looking for. Michelle Drapkin has written a personable, witty, and thoughtful book about making major changes in life. Drapkin invites readers through focusing, tracking, choosing, and committing to live forward in meaningful and purpose-driven ways. A must-read for genuine and lasting change!”
—Robyn D. Walser, PhD, author The Heart of ACT; coauthor of Learning ACT and The Mindful Couple; and assistant professor at the University of California, Berkeley
“Whether you seek sustainable change in your own life, or guidance to design change journeys for others, Michelle Drapkin offers an accessible and engaging road map to get there. I’ve used MI in my design work for decades; since finishing this book, I’m bursting with energy and ideas to improve how I do it. Change isn’t easy, but having The Motivational Interviewing Path to Personal Change in your pocket sure helps.”
—Amy Bucher, PhD, chief behavioral officer at Lirio, and author of Engaged
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : New Harbinger Publications; Workbook edition (September 1, 2023)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 184 pages
- ISBN-10 : 164848154X
- ISBN-13 : 978-1648481543
- Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
- Dimensions : 8 x 0.41 x 10 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #467,034 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #78 in Smoking Recovery
- #533 in Popular Applied Psychology
- #10,959 in Personal Transformation Self-Help
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Dr. Michelle Drapkin has been working in the area of behavior change for over 20 years. She is the Owner/Director of the CBT Center and previously held roles as a Senior Behavioral Scientist at BetterUp, where she worked to advance the science and practice of evidence-based coaching in the workplace and at Johnson and Johnson where she led the development and deployment of behavior change interventions, including an intervention for wellbeing and mindfulness. She held a national position at the Department of Veterans Affairs and was on faculty at the University of Pennsylvania. She has dedicated her professional career to using psychological research to help people. She is a board-certified Clinical Psychologist and sees patients in her private practice, consults with healthcare tech startups, and delivers trainings and workshops on communication/motivation and health and wellbeing at work and in life. She is the sole author of The Motivational Interviewing Path to Personal Change: The Essential Workbook for Creating the Life You Want from New Harbinger Publications.
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the workbook provides helpful concepts and is excellent for both individuals and clinicians. The book is easy to read, with one customer noting its casual writing style. They appreciate the author's compassionate approach, with one describing it as a "compassionate expert guide to motivational interviewing." The workbook receives positive feedback for its pacing, with one customer describing it as a fun guide.
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Customers find the workbook provides helpful concepts and is excellent for MI practice, with one customer noting it's particularly useful for both individuals and clinicians.
"This is a great book. It is written with a casual, engaging, and jovial tone...." Read more
"...This ISN'T just another self help book with advice and platitudes about making change. This IS a book with practical steps to make change...." Read more
"...content that is super-accessible and easy to read, but still gave me new insights and tips on a topic I know well...." Read more
"...-directed workbooks, is that in this book, you're being skillfully, honestly and charmingly guided by the ever present Dr. Michelle Drapkin...." Read more
Customers find the language of the book easy to read, with one customer noting it is written in an accessible and casual style.
"This is a great book. It is written with a casual, engaging, and jovial tone...." Read more
"...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...." Read more
"...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..." Read more
"...It's expertly written, with useful exercises and modern strategies. It's holistic. It's strength based. It's practical...." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's compassionate approach, with one customer noting the author's gigantic heart for humanity and another highlighting the kindness in Drapkin's writing.
"...I really love Drapkin's approach of kindness, compassion, and non-judgment. Drapkin's warmth and personal anecdotes are really helpful...." Read more
"...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..." Read more
"Dr. Drapkin is a gifted and compassionate therapist and an expert in the field of Motivational Interviewing...." Read more
Customers find the pacing of the workbook engaging, with one customer describing it as a fun guide.
"This is a great book. It is written with a casual, engaging, and jovial tone...." Read more
"...Dr. Drapkin is a knowledgeable, supportive, and fun guide who really understands that change is hard but also possible...." Read more
"Easy to read, great exercises, definitely recommend!!!..." Read more
Customers appreciate the voice of the book, with one describing it as an encouraging and compassionate expert guide to motivational interviewing.
"...This book captures her "voice" so perfectly which really captures her gift of breaking things down in a manner that is free from jargon and..." Read more
"...guide to change, relaying evidence-based strategies in a warm, encouraging voice...." Read more
"Your compassionate expert guide to motivational interviewing..." Read more
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Your compassionate expert guide to motivational interviewing
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2024This is a great book. It is written with a casual, engaging, and jovial tone. It's one of the few M.I. resources that is not written only for providers. It's great when you hear actual patients rattling off what DARN-CAT stands for. It allows practically anyone to "listen to themselves think" and notice "change talk" in their own private inner dialogues.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2024Did you ever feel like you are having issues getting off of your butt to make the change you need/want to make? Did you ever wonder why it is that you have such problem making that change? Did you ever feel crappy about knowing/wanting to make change, making some changes, and then falling off the bandwagon? Then - this workbook is for you. This ISN'T just another self help book with advice and platitudes about making change. This IS a book with practical steps to make change. I really love Drapkin's approach of kindness, compassion, and non-judgment. Drapkin's warmth and personal anecdotes are really helpful. I highly recommend this book. A++
- Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2023I'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!
5.0 out of 5 starsI'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.Your compassionate expert guide to motivational interviewing
Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2023
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!
Images in this review
- Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2023This 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.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2023Dr. Drapkin is a gifted and compassionate therapist and an expert in the field of Motivational Interviewing. That is NOT why you should buy this book. Knowing Dr. Drapkin nearly 20 years, I can honestly say that reading this book feels like she is sitting by your side explaining it to you. This book captures her "voice" so perfectly which really captures her gift of breaking things down in a manner that is free from jargon and psychobabble. There is something refreshing about feeling like someone is talking with you rather than at you. This is a must have workbook that everyone can benefit from. If you have ever even thought about meaningfully changing your life for the better - this is the place to start.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2023I've been a fan of motivational interviewing for years because I know it works. It's helped me change behaviors and reach goals in the past, but I've never seen a self-help version of this approach until now. This book makes it easier to connect your goals to your values and to take action despite ambivalence. It's filled with useful tools that steer you toward goals in a self-compassionate way. Dr. Drapkin is a knowledgeable, supportive, and fun guide who really understands that change is hard but also possible. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in making sustainable changes without using force or shame.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2023Fantastic workbook on how to find my own reasons to change. Therapists, coaches, doctors, and counselors who specialize in helping people overcome habits that are keeping them stuck use an approach called Motivational Interviewing to help people find their own motivation to change in a non-confrontational way. This is to my knowledge the first workbook to help people learn how to do this for themselves. It's expertly written, with useful exercises and modern strategies. It's holistic. It's strength based. It's practical. I strongly recommend you check this book out. Give yourself the gift of change!
- Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2023As 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.