Motivational Interviewing training days will progress from basic understanding to more advanced communication/listening skills and strategy. Underlying all of the skills and strategies is a belief, an attitude, a core intention about working with people. This is called the “Spirit” of Motivational Interviewing. This “way of being with people,” has a significant impact on outcomes. Tools, assessments, education and resources can evoke resistance when the intention is to “fix” a parent or family. At its heart, the spirit of M.I. is one of true partnership, of shared expertise, of moving in a common direction, at a comfortable pace. Simply “believing in” partnership and empathy is not enough. Motivational Interviewing skills are measurable and observable and have shown an impact on behavior and health outcomes on six continents.

Goals:

1. Recognize barriers I unintentionally create in conversations.

2. Describe ways to reduce client resistance and disengagement.

3. Identify Change Talk in written and recorded examples.

4. List Open-ended questions that I can use in my work with clients.

5. Practice Open-ended questions and Reflective Listening that evoke Change Talk.

6. Demonstrate an understanding of the Spirit of M.I. in live practice.

7. Compare and contrast the impact of common “helping styles,” through small group and paired practice.

8. Recognize the difference between Affirmations and Praise.