Working with individuals who experience substance use requires distinct understanding and skills to effectively offer clients the best opportunity for sobriety and recovery. What are best practices and approaches for working with substance use? Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based approach that is consistently useful in the substance abuse field to engage and support individuals. This workshop will introduce learners to the foundations of “the spirit of MI”, such as the philosophy, approach, and stages of change. Specific MI interventions such as OARS, eliciting change talk, and rolling with resistance will be presented and detailed. Case studies, video clips, and group exercises will highlight this powerful counseling method that is ideal for clinicians to employ within the addiction field.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Explain the philosophy and foundations of the MI counseling method.
- Describe at least five MI techniques useful for substance abuse treatment.
- Identify at least two examples of implementing MI skills into personal clinical practice.
Syllabus:
Objective #1: Foundations of Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Define MI as a person-centered, directive communication style to enhance motivation
- Grounded in empathy, respect, and collaborative exploration
- Designed to resolve ambivalence and promote commitment to change
- Developed by Dr. William R. Miller for clients labeled as “difficult” or “resistant”
Objective #2: Philosophy and Core Principles of MI
- Express empathy through reflective listening
- Develop discrepancy between current behaviors and desired goals
- Roll with resistance rather than confronting it
- Support self-efficacy and belief in change
- Use the “Spirit of MI” including partnership, acceptance, compassion, and evocation
Objective #3: Change Talk and Stages of Change
- Introduce the DARN-C model: Desire, Ability, Reason, Need, Commitment
- Understand client readiness using the Stages of Change (precontemplation through maintenance)
- Use scaling questions and readiness rulers to assess motivation
- Encourage clients to articulate reasons for and against change
Objective #4: Techniques and Strategies in MI
- Use OARS skills: Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflective listening, Summaries
- Apply the RULE framework: Resist the righting reflex, Understand motivations, Listen with empathy, Empower the client
- Use evocation strategies and sample questions to draw out client wisdom
- Employ the PACE style: Partnership, Acceptance, Compassion, Evocation
Objective #5: Working with Resistance and Involuntary Clients
- Identify signs of resistance and non-readiness
- Use rolling with resistance scripts and non-confrontational reframing
- Engage mandated or court-ordered clients through validation and collaboration
- Avoid power struggles, judgment, and unsolicited advice
Objective #6: MI in Practice: Clinical Applications
- Practice using MI scripts and sample client dialogues
- Explore case scenarios such as working with clients with co-occurring disorders or trauma histories
- Use affirming and hopeful language to support change
- Apply MI techniques in early and ongoing stages of substance use treatment
Objective #7: Assessing and Enhancing Readiness for Change
- Use importance and confidence rulers
- Ask scaling questions to gauge current status and motivation
- Identify barriers to change and brainstorm strategies for progress
- Incorporate the Change Plan Worksheet for structured goal-setting
Objective #8: Spirituality and Personal Meaning in MI
- Explore whether spirituality is meaningful to the client
- Understand how belief systems may support or hinder recovery
- Respectfully integrate spiritual discussions into client-centered plans
Summary and Implementation
- Reinforce that MI is about supporting client autonomy and reducing resistance
- Emphasize small steps and consistent application of MI tools
- Avoid common pitfalls such as judgment, labeling, and assuming the expert role
- Encourage ongoing practice and integration into clinical style
Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Diane Bigler, LCSW, LSCSW
Recording Date: March 2, 2024
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 3hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com