Motivational Interviewing 6CEUs

Course overview

This workshop will teach attendees a variety of motivational interviewing skills used to develop rapport, increase retention, improve confidence, and increase motivation to change unwanted behaviors. Motivational Interviewing (MI) was initially developed for working with substance abuse, yet has since been adapted to deal with many additional behaviors and conditions (e.g., smoking, weight loss, physical activity, risky sexual behavior, diabetes control, gambling, and medication compliance). It works with a variety of individuals, yet works particularly well with those who may be ambivalent or coerced. MI is combination of strategies and techniques from existing models of psychotherapy, with a specific art and attitude to implementation. A primary goal of MI is to normalize feelings, validate, and increase trust. It works to meet clients where they are in terms of their specific situation and difficulties without judgment or coercion, and engage them in discussion in a way that increases openness to change. MI maintains an empathetic and empowering tone. In this workshop, Motivational Interviewing skills and techniques will be described and demonstrated and then practiced among attendees using short role-play scenarios. Feedback will be given to enhance skills. A variety of evidence-based assessment instruments that are practical to use and have clinical value will be presented. Handouts of the major motivational materials will be distributed.