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“MI has always been ahead of its time, helping move the counseling field forward as it helps people move toward change. With its innovative, timely applications to justice and legal contexts, the second edition of this important book is essential reading.”

—Shadd Maruna, PhD, Head of Sociology, Social Policy, and Criminology, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom


“Stinson and Clark have produced a rare kind of professional text: one that makes complex work feel genuinely doable—simple, but never simplified. With clarity, warmth, and real-world precision, they show how MI can hold both care and control, accountability and compassion. The tone is hopeful without being naïve, practical without becoming mechanical, and firmly grounded in what actually helps people change. This is an essential guide for anyone working in legal and justice settings.”

—Ioan Durnescu, PhD, Faculty of Sociology and Social Work, University of Bucharest, Romania


“If you work in or alongside the justice system, this book is your go-to resource for when you’re unsure what to do next—and your roadmap for starting off in the right direction with nearly any client. While case consultations often emphasize risk assessments or diagnostic considerations, this book focuses on the relational and conversational skills that move clients toward change. The second edition belongs in every office and agency serving justice-involved clients or those involved in adjacent systems, such as child welfare. Written in clear, straightforward language, this book is easily accessible to students, interns, and seasoned professionals alike.”

—David S. Prescott, LICSW, Director, Safer Society Foundation Continuing Education Center, Brandon, Vermont


“Stinson and Clark skillfully examine how the spirit, style, and strategies of MI intersect with the realities of clients in the justice and legal systems. The authors provide practical guidance for maintaining a respectful and effective professional stance while navigating autonomy within constraints and legal expectations. Grounded in real-world practice, this book is an essential resource for probation officers, correctional professionals, trainers, and anyone working with mandated or nonvoluntary clients.”

—Nathalie Cyr, Senior Training Consultant and Motivational Interviewing Trainer, Department of Justice and Public Safety, Government of New Brunswick, Canada

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About the Authors

Jill D. Stinson, PhD, is Professor of Psychology at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) and Chair of the ETSU Campus Institutional Review Board. Her primary research and clinical interests include suicidality, trauma, and serious mental illness in persons who have committed violent and sexual offenses; ethical practices in research and clinical care; and evidence-based training for members of law enforcement. Dr. Stinson frequently teaches and trains in the areas of forensic and clinical ethics, suicide in forensic and legal systems, motivational interviewing (MI), sexual and violent offending, serious mental illness, dialectical behavior therapy, and trauma-informed care. She has coauthored books on the causes and treatment of sexual offending and on MI for people with legal involvement, and is editor-in-chief of the journal Sexual Abuse.

• All titles by Jill D. Stinson

Michael D. Clark, MSW, is Director of the Center for Strength-Based Strategies, a technical assistance group that provides training and implementation initiatives for motivational interviewing (MI) across North America, as well as in many European and Oceania locations. Mr. Clark and his training group are all members of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) and hold MINT Certified Trainer status. The group specializes in MI training-of-trainers for agencies, and has worked in a wide range of clinical, community, legal, justice, and correctional settings. Mr. Clark previously served in the roles of abuse and neglect caseworker and probation officer, as well as serving as Secretariat for an expert panel that composed addiction treatment standards for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in Vienna, Austria. His website is www.buildmotivation.com.

• Author's website
• All titles by Michael D. Clark

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Audience

Clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, clinical social workers, counselors, psychiatric nurses, and other professionals and paraprofessionals who interact with people in the legal system, whether in corrections, forensic mental health, child welfare, or specialized court diversion programs.

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Course Use

May serve as a supplemental text in graduate-level courses.

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Previous editions published by Guilford:

First Edition, © 2017
ISBN: 9781462529872

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New to this edition:

• Broader scope: Addresses MI applications in family courts, forensic mental health, emergency response systems, and more, as well as criminal justice and corrections.
• New case examples, sample dialogues, and thought exercises; attention to brief interventions; more inclusive, destigmatizing language throughout.
• Heightened focus on practitioner well-being, including burnout prevention strategies.
• Reflects key developments in MI and current research on motivation, rehabilitation, and helping relationships.