Motivational Interviewing in Practice: Using Spirit, Skills, & Strategies of MI to Enhance Engagement in Treatment

Motivational Interviewing (MI), an evidence-based communication style particularly useful in conversations about change, is widely utilized in a variety of social work practice settings. Despite the abundance of research supporting the importance of the relational elements of MI (empathy, partnership), most training focuses on MI skills (open ended questions, affirmations, reflections and summaries) and strategies (evoking change talk, softening sustain talk). This seminar fills that gap, exploring the relational as well as technical elements of Motivational Interviewing, with an emphasis on the spirit of MI. Participants will consider the connection between the spirit of MI and other psychoanalytic and behavior change theories, reflect upon the effect of practitioner and client social identities on the clinical space and practice integrating skills and strategies to enhance partnership and empathy in practice. Participants will also consider the opportunities for practitioner self-assessment using the Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity (MITI) coding instrument. Highly interactive in nature, participants will have the opportunity to practice MI, as well as provide and receive structured feedback using the MITI. Demonstration of MI, practice exercises and discussion will be facilitated via large and small group breakout sessions.

VIRTUAL SEMINAR | July 26 and August 2, 2021, 1 – 4:15 p.m. ET
Instructor: Beth Rubin, M.S.W., LICSW, SUDP
CEs: 6 CEs for social workers are available for $10 fee
Level: Intermediate