0133 - Introduction to Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Course Description

Hours: 12

Motivational interviewing (MI), developed by clinical psychologists William Miller and Stephen Rollnick, is a directive, client-centered approach used to strengthen clients’ motivation for positive behaviour change by exploring and resolving feelings of ambivalence. Research has shown that the MI approach, first developed for work with problem drinkers, is effective in activating positive behaviour change for a wide range of concerns including substance abuse, mental health problems, unhealthy relationships, diabetes management, smoking cessation, weight loss, unemployment and health care improvement.

This interactive course will introduce participants to the fundamental principles and techniques of motivational interviewing. Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

• Describe the basic concepts of motivational interviewing, including its spirit and essential principles and processes.
• Strengthen empathic engaging skills described by the OARS acronym.
• Redefine “resistance” including strategies for responding to discord in the clinician-client relationship.
• Identify and change talk in their clients including strategies for evoking change talk.
• Implement motivational interviewing strategies to explore and resolve clients' feelings of ambivalence including strategies for responding to sustain talk.
• Assess clients’ readiness for change.
• Describe the Transtheoretical Model of Change and explain the relationship between motivational interventions and stages of change.
• Practice applying MI to address difficult situations.

CACCF: 12 continuing education hours

This course has replaced the former course of Motivational Interviewing in Addiction Treatment. 

Notes

For more information contact the Faculty of Social Work Professional Development office:

Email: fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca
Phone: 548-889-4967

Cancellations and Transfers
Be sure to carefully review our cancellation and transfer information before registering.

Website: wlu.ca/fswpd

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• Addictions Certificate : Addictions Certificate
• Counselling Skills for Mental Health Certificate : Counselling Skills for Mental Health
• Counselling Techniques Certificate : Counselling Techniques