How can we help our clients make positive changes in their behavior -- without nagging, shaming, persuading, or arguing? Motivational interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based counseling approach that can help individuals change behaviors they might feel ambivalent about, such as exercising, changing their diet, quitting or reducing alcohol/drugs, adopting safer sex practices, taking important medications, engaging in behavioral activation, or starting psychotherapy. In this 6-hour intermediate-level training, participants will build upon their existing MI skills through interactive and experiential learning activities. We will focus on topics that may impact the Veterans we serve, including motivation to seek help for mental health, addressing PTSD, addressing substance use concerns, and management of chronic pain and health conditions.
Participants will have the chance to:
• Review the MI spirit, processes, and principles
• Hone their use of MI micro-skills (open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections, summaries) to evoke change talk
• Practice responding effectively to sustain talk and discord within the helping relationship
• Give advice and information in a motivating way
Training participants will have the opportunity to learn in various ways, including lectures, demonstrations, discussions, experiential learning activities, and role plays designed to give them a richer understanding of the use of motivational interviewing in therapeutic and healthcare settings.