title: Enhancing behavioral change with motivational interviewing: a case study in a Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Psychological interventions in cardiac rehabilitation programs appear relevant in as much they significantly contribute to achieve the goals of rehabilitation, to reduce the risk of relapses and to improve patients' adherence to therapy. To this aim, motivational interviewing (MI) has shown promising results in improving motivation to change and individuals' confidence in their ability to do so.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this article is to integrate theory with practice by describing a three-session case scenario. It illustrates how MI's skills and strategies can be used to enhance heart-healthy habits. MI may be synergistic with other treatment approaches and it is used here in conjunction with brief strategic therapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  By the use of MI principles and techniques, the patient reported an increase in his motivation and ability to change, developing a post discharge plan that incorporates self-care behaviors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  MI may be effective in motivating and facilitating health behavior change among obese patients suffering from heart failure.
authors: Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Saint Joseph Hospital, Verbania Italy ; Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Milan Italy.
authors: Giada
authors: G
authors: Pietrabissa
authors: Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Saint Joseph Hospital, Verbania Italy ; Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergamo, Bergamo Italy.
authors: Martina
authors: M
authors: Ceccarini
authors: Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergamo, Bergamo Italy.
authors: Maria
authors: M
authors: Borrello
authors: Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Saint Joseph Hospital, Verbania Italy ; Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Milan Italy.
authors: Gian Mauro
authors: GM
authors: Manzoni
authors: Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Saint Joseph Hospital, Verbania Italy.
authors: Annamaria
authors: A
authors: Titon
authors: Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Saint Joseph Hospital, Verbania Italy.
authors: Ferruccio
authors: F
authors: Nibbio
authors: Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Saint Joseph Hospital, Verbania Italy.
authors: Mariella
authors: M
authors: Montano
authors: Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Saint Joseph Hospital, Verbania Italy.
authors: Gianandrea
authors: G
authors: Bertone
authors: Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Saint Joseph Hospital, Verbania Italy.
authors: Luca
authors: L
authors: Gondoni
authors: Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Saint Joseph Hospital, Verbania Italy ; Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Milan Italy.
authors: Gianluca
authors: G
authors: Castelnuovo
keywords: Brief Strategic Therapy; adherence; behavioral change; cardiac rehabilitation; cardiovascular disease; heart failure; motivational interviewing; self-care