Motivational Interviewing...A collaborative conversation style that strengthens a person’s motivation and commitment to change.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a practical, evidence-based approach to communication that helps professionals engage more effectively with the people they serve. Rather than relying on persuasion or direction, MI focuses on partnership, curiosity, and guiding individuals to explore their own reasons for change.
Whether working in human services, healthcare, public health, or corrections, professionals consistently face complex conversations. MI provides a framework for navigating resistance, building engagement, and supporting meaningful, lasting change.
Motivational Interviewing Trainings I Offer...
Introductory MI Workshop
This two-day workshop provides a strong foundation in both the spirit and core skills of Motivational Interviewing.
Participants are introduced to key concepts and begin developing practical skills they can apply immediately in their work.
Focus areas include:
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The spirit and principles of MI
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Core communication skills
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Recognizing and responding to change talk
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Building engagement in conversations
Advanced MI Workshop
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Typically delivered approximately one month after the introductory training, this two-day workshop focuses on skill development through practice and coaching.
The emphasis shifts from understanding MI concepts to building confidence and applying MI to real-world conversations.
Participants will:
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Strengthen their use of MI in more complex situations
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Practice skills through guided exercises and real scenarios
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Receive coaching and feedback to refine their approach
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Increase confidence and consistency in conversations
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Recognize and strengthen "change talk"
Audio Coaching & Feedback
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One of the most effective ways to develop MI skills is through individualized feedback on real conversations.
Participants submit audio recordings of their work, which are reviewed with detailed coaching feedback provided.
This process helps participants:
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Gain insight from real recorded conversations
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Understand what they are doing well
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Identify areas for growth
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Apply feedback directly to future conversations
This component is often used between the Introductory and Advanced workshops to support continued development.
MI Train-the-Trainer
Training Motivational Interviewing (MI) is both a challenging and highly rewarding process. Effective MI trainers need not only strong subject-matter knowledge, but also the ability to model skills, guide learning, and build credibility with those they train.
This multi-step process is designed to help participants strengthen their own MI practice while developing the skills needed to effectively train others.
The Process Includes:
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Completion of Introductory and Advanced MI workshops
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Audio coaching and feedback to strengthen personal skill development
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A 3-day interactive Train-the-Trainer workshop
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Opportunities to assist in delivering MI training
MI For Managers and Supervisors
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This session highlights the critical role managers and supervisors play in supporting and sustaining Motivational Interviewing(MI) in practice.
Typically delivered in a 1.5–2 hour format, this workshop focuses on how leaders can reinforce MI beyond the training room and support staff in applying skills consistently in their day-to-day work.
This is not additional MI training. It is focused on helping leaders sustain and strengthen MI across their teams.
Topics may include:
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Supporting staff skill development
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Incorporating MI into supervision and coaching
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Building a culture of consistent practice
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Reinforcing learning beyond initial training
MI Booster Training
Even with strong initial training, Motivational Interviewing proficiency is best achieved and maintained with booster or refresher courses —especially in the midst of busy caseloads and competing demands.
Booster sessions are designed to reconnect staff with core MI principles and strengthen their confidence in applying them in real-world conversations.
These sessions are practical, interactive, and can be tailored to the specific needs of the agency.
Booster Sessions May Include:
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Review of the Spirit of MI and the 4 Processes of MI
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Practical applications of active listening skills
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Navigating challenging conversations and resistant clients
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Change Talk: Recognizing/Responding/Eliciting