Change can be overwhelming. This accessible book showcases quick, low-intensity therapeutic strategies to help clients take small steps toward change--especially when they feel stuck. Craig Winston LeCroy draws on extensive clinical experience and innovative multidisciplinary research. The book describes ways that nudges as simple as a journal entry, a grounding exercise, a new habit, or a reframed thought can prompt subtle but meaningful shifts in emotions and behavior. Vivid case examples illustrate how microinterventions work and how to implement them, regardless of clinical problem or treatment approach.
Table of Contents:
Preface
1. Why Microinterventions Matter in Mental Health
2. Nudging Change: Developing Awareness
3. Enhancing Motivation to Change
4. Small Steps: Goal Setting in Microinterventions
5. Intentional Habits: Microinterventions for Mental Health
6. Enhancing Relationships for Change
7. Microinterventions at Work: Getting Unstuck
8. Expanding the Scope of Help: Self-Directed Mental Health
9. A Toolkit of Microinterventions
Epilogue. Staying in Motion
Glossary of Microinterventions
References
Index
About the Author :
Craig Winston LeCroy, MSW, PhD, is Communitas Professor Emeritus of Social Work at Arizona State University, where he taught for four decades, and Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. Dr. LeCroy’s research focuses on evidence-based practice, home visitation, adolescent development, and therapeutic interventions. He developed the Healthy Families Parenting Inventory (HFPI), used in more than 40 states and internationally, and created the Go Grrrls prevention program for adolescent girls. Dr. LeCroy is a Fellow of both the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare and the Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (Division 53 of the American Psychological Association). Other honors include the Research Service Award from Prevent Child Abuse America, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Social Workers, and the Community Impact Award from Arizona State University’s School of Social Work. Dr. LeCroy is author or editor of 15 books and more than 100 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. His scholarship has been widely cited and adopted for both academic instruction and clinical training.
Review :
“Meaningful change is not usually a thunderclap; it is a pattern of small, repeated, values-linked actions that open hearts, minds, and lives. Microinterventions gathers evidence on self-regulation, habit formation, social psychology, mindfulness, and clinical practice, and translates it into process-oriented steps to help people notice, choose, connect, and move. Clinicians, coaches, and students will find this book to be a practical guide to the moments where change actually begins. Small is not trivial--in the right context and at the right moment, it can be transformative.â€--Steven C. Hayes, PhD, Foundation Professor of Psychology Emeritus, University of Nevada, Reno; originator and co-developer of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
“An invaluable resource for providers of all types seeking to support behavior change. This book's clear structure, case examples, tables, and step-by-step guidance make it ideal for graduate training in social work, psychology, public health, and behavioral medicine, as well as continuing education workshops. In my role as trainer, mentor, and supervisor, I will use this book to help trainees translate theory into action--teaching them how to operationalize awareness, motivation, and self efficacy through simple, evidence-based microinterventions. The book will also be extremely helpful for those designing behavioral intervention technologies such as mobile health apps and text messaging interventions.â€--Sylvie Naar, PhD, Distinguished Endowed Professor, Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine, Florida State University College of Medicine
“LeCroy brings his extensive knowledge of clinical practice to explore what he calls 'nudge therapy.' He utilizes theories and research from such areas as behavioral economics and social psychology to enable therapists to think more broadly about the change process for their clients. In-depth examples illustrate concrete methods for engaging clients to take small steps to build relationships or new habits. Small, manageable changes provide openings for clients to find what works for them and move in a positive direction. This is an engaging, thought-provoking practitioner resource that also can be used in clinical practice classes across a variety of disciplines.â€--Melinda Hohman, PhD, MSW, School of Social Work (Emeritus), San Diego State University
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