Licensed therapists get practical tools for combining Motivational Interviewing (MI) with Emotional First Aid (EFA) principles in work with clients affected by trauma, chronic stress and substance use disorders. This three-hour CE training covers the neuroscience of readiness to change, applying MI’s core skills when clients are dysregulated or under high stress, and using simple body-based regulation tools to strengthen rapport and client agency. Live demonstrations, embodied practice and interactive vignettes show how to help both clients and therapists keep safety, engagement and motivation for change in place.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Define the core principles and “spirit” of Motivational Interviewing and how they apply to trauma-informed care.
- Describe how chronic stress and trauma impact the brain’s capacity for change and how this influences client behavior.
- Apply MI skills (open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries) in ways that are responsive to dysregulated nervous systems.
- Integrate somatic and relational safety strategies into MI sessions to support client empowerment and resilience.
Syllabus:
Introduction
- Explores how Motivational Interviewing (MI) integrates with stress and trauma science
- Examines nervous system regulation and emotional safety
- Highlights embodied presence in clinical work
- Focuses on supporting clients experiencing dysregulation, ambivalence, or burnout
Objective #1: MI Spirit & The Science of Stress
- Review of MI’s collaborative, non-judgmental stance
- Impact of trauma and chronic stress on the brain
- Introduction to Emotional First Aid (EFA)
- “Regulate before you relate” principle
- Why MI techniques may fall short without nervous system regulation
Objective #2: OARS & Embodied Listening
- Applying OARS with trauma-impacted clients
- Strengthening reflections through embodied presence
- Deepening therapeutic connection
- Using EFA as brief reset tools
- Supporting grounding for both client and clinician
Objective #3: Eliciting Change Talk in Trauma Context
- Working with ambivalence, shame, and stuckness
- Trauma-informed MI language
- Inviting change without pressure
- Using micro-choices to support empowerment
- Strengthening autonomy and motivation
Objective #4: Caring for the Clinician
- Understanding compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma
- Daily Energy Routine practices
- Boundary reset tools
- Building supportive, trauma-informed team culture
Summary & Q&A
- Review of key concepts
- Reflection and discussion
- Application of trauma-informed MI principles in practice
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: Christi Garner, LMFT
Recording Date: October 10, 2025
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