Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, goal-oriented style of communication with particular attention to the language of change. It is designed to strengthen personal motivation for and commitment to a specific goal by eliciting and exploring the person’s own reasons for change within an atmosphere of acceptance and compassion. In this training, participants will learn the basics of implementing Motivational Interviewing – Engaging Clients in Behavior Change. We will learn about the four elements of Motivational Interviewing “spirit”: Acceptance, Collaboration, Evocation, and Compassion as well as the “four processes” of MI. Participants will learn about the role of open questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries in MI and will view a demonstration. “Change talk” and “sustain talk” and will have the opportunity to practice these important skills through case study examples. The “elicit-provide-elicit” model for information exchange will be demonstrated and ways to include this exchange in the treatment of substance use disorders will be discussed.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Explain the four elements of Motivational Interviewing (MI) “spirit”
- Define Miller and Rollnick’s “four processes” of MI
- Demonstrate “OARS” skills
- Identify the Core Concepts of “change talk”, “sustain talk”, “rolling with resistance”
- Implement the skills learned through case study practice
Syllabus:
Objective #1: Foundations and Spirit of Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Define MI as a collaborative, person-centered method for enhancing intrinsic motivation to change
- Understand MI’s non-coercive nature and alignment with client autonomy and readiness
- Explore the “Spirit of MI” including partnership, acceptance, compassion, and evocation
- Examine the stages of change model: pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, and relapse
- Learn how MI can help clients move between stages using curiosity and empathy
Objective #2: Four Core Principles of MI
- Express Empathy: understand and reflect client experiences without judgment
- Develop Discrepancy: highlight inconsistencies between values and behavior to support motivation
- Roll with Resistance: avoid argumentation and reframe resistance collaboratively
- Support Self-Efficacy: reinforce belief in the client’s ability to make change and maintain autonomy
Objective #3: Tools for Enhancing Motivation and Exploring Change
- Use the Miracle Question and future visioning exercises to inspire insight and direction
- Apply decision balance tables to explore pros and cons of change and status quo
- Elicit change talk and self-motivational statements using structured questions
- Foster confidence by reinforcing client strengths and past successes
- Encourage reflection on values and how current behaviors align or conflict with them
Objective #4: The Four Processes of MI (Miller & Rollnick)
- Engaging: build rapport using active listening, empathy, and avoidance of the righting reflex
- Focusing: collaboratively identify a behavior or area for change that matters to the client
- Evoking: draw out the client’s personal reasons for change and reinforce change talk
- Planning: guide clients toward action steps and prepare for commitment to change
Objective #5: OARS Skills: The Core Communication Strategies
- Open-Ended Questions: invite exploration and reflection
- Affirmations: acknowledge strengths and reinforce positive actions
- Reflections: deepen understanding through both simple and complex reflective statements
- Summaries: connect ideas, validate understanding, and transition between topics
Objective #6: Applying MI in Practice
- Practice sample questions to uncover ambivalence and evoke intrinsic motivation
- Use readiness rulers to assess importance and confidence related to behavior change
- Provide feedback, advice, or information using the Elicit-Provide-Elicit method
- Reinforce self-efficacy through autonomy-supportive statements and encouragement
- Integrate MI with other approaches such as CBT and trauma-informed care
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: Dreya Blume, LCSW
Recording Date: July 7, 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