The Game of Chess Enhances Cognitive Abilities in Schizophrenia

Motivational interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, empathic psychotherapeutic approach that avoids confrontation and focuses on enhancing the client's motivation for change. MI understands that ambivalence and resistance are predictable parts of the change process, instead of barriers to successful treatment. In order to help clients resolve ambivalence and enact self-motivated change toward healthier behaviors, MI comprises a sequence of four processes: (1) engaging (building a collaborative relationship); (2) focusing (establishing the direction of conversation); (3) evoking (eliciting the client's reasons for change); and (4) planning (getting ready for action). MI has been used in different settings with cocaine users and in distinct stages of treatment. Also, it has been combined with additional therapeutic techniques such as cognitive training. Herein, we review the recent research studies describing MI as an effective nonpharmacological approach in the treatment of cocaine addiction, especially in the initial stages of treatment and with poorly motivated individuals.