Motivational Interviewing

Training 2: Motivational Interviewing

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is proven to be effective for common clinical problems such as addiction, anxiety, depression and others in adults and youth. MI provides a structure that places responsibility back to the client for change, relieving the assumed “burden.” Once clients make a commitment for change, clinicians will be more successful in providing support and improving treatment outcomes.

This class will comprise practicing MI skills. The goal is to improve treatment outcomes by inspiring client’s own motivation to change. The class will work through combinations of MI techniques with other treatment modalities, learning how to apply MI skills in any situation.

Objectives

1. Summarize the history of Motivational Interviewing (MI).
2. Describe the evidence base for the use of MI for behavioral change.
3. Explain the “Spirit” of MI.
4. Discuss what motivates people to change.
5. Identify and practice how to assess client motivation.
6. Practice specific techniques to increase client motivation.
7. Describe the 6 stages of change.
8. Utilize the 4 core skills of MI in conversation.
9. Employ several techniques to generate “change talk” and soften “sustain talk.”
10. Utilize strategies to explore and resolve ambivalence to change.
11. Demonstrate the ability to recognize and reinforce “change talk.”
12. Employ several techniques to reduce the likelihood of client resistance and discord.
13. Describe how MI can be integrated into current forms of treatment.