What is Motivational Interviewing?
Motivational interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based, collaborative approach to conversation that supports behavior change. Initially developed in the 1980s, nearly 2000 clinical trials have shown the efficacy of motivational interviewing in a variety of settings, including health care and public health settings where conversations about behavior and lifestyle change regularly take place.
MI can be particularly helpful in conversations about vaccines and other topics around which people may express ambivalence (e.g. substance use, medication adherence, physical activity). Although many helpers focus on providing corrective information and education, this approach often backfires, leaving both parties feeling unheard and frustrated. In contrast, an MI approach leaves people feeling respected, heard, and more likely to consider recommendations from trusted providers and helpers.
While the concept of a collaborative approach seems simple, developing proficiency in MI requires time and commitment. Boost Oregon offers a variety of training options to support you and your organization in learning more about MI so that your clients can receive the best possible support and care.
The Trainers
Carrie Bader (she/her/hers), MPH, MOT first attended an MI training in 2007 and has been a dedicated student of MI ever since. She is a health educator and occupational therapist, and is a member of the international Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT). Carrie has presented at conferences, healthcare settings, and non-profit organizations for a wide variety of professionals, including front-line staff, clinical staff, administrators, and leadership. She has provided training to hundreds of people in settings that include:
Health Care
Behavioral Health
Addictions
Local and State Government
Community-Based Organizations
Law Enforcement
Schools/Universities
Heather Lynch (she/her/hers) MA, CRC, OPMA has been mentoring and guiding Motivational Interviewing skills practice with a wide variety of humans in service working with other humans on growth and change, since 2007. Heather is a certified rehabilitation counselor and member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT). She is passionate about helping individuals to find their own style and practice within the Spirit of MI. Heather has created learning opportunities for people in many settings and roles, working with humans on a variety of change and growth topics. Some examples include: Education, Employment, Chronic Health Conditions, Substance Use/Misuse, Mental Health, Corrections, and Housing. Heather has been a Trainer Support and Lead Trainer for MINT Train New Trainer events and finds joy in coaching others to find their way to MINT membership.
Training Options
Aside from the MI Skills Tune-Up (which is available on an individual basis), the following options are available to organizations with a group of at least 10 learners.
If you are an individual looking for a training, please check out our public offerings.
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Overview of MI: 1 hour (Virtual)
Goals:
• To learn about the spirit and principles of MI and determine interest in learning more
• To be acquainted with relevant evidence of efficacy
• To contrast the MI approach with other approaches
Includes:
✓ Guiding Philosophy of MI
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Introductory MI Training: 4 hours (In-Person)
Goals:
• To learn about the spirit of MI and practice several core skills
• To identify client language indicative of potential change
• To have direct practice and experience of a particular application of MI
Includes:
✓ Guiding Philosophy of MI
✓ Key Components of MI
✓ Skill Building Training
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Foundations of MI: 6 hours (In-Person)
Goals:
• To apply the core skills and principles of MI to encourage positive behavior change
• To demonstrate the fundamental spirit and principles of MI
• To strengthen core skills (open-ended questions, reflections, affirmations, summaries)
Includes:
✓ Guiding Philosophy of MI
✓ Key Components of MI
✓ Skill Building Training with Guided Practice
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MI Skill Building Series (Virtual, 9 Hours, offered in 3 3-Hour Sessions)
Goals:
• To apply the core skills and principles of MI to encourage positive behavior change
• To demonstrate the fundamental spirit and principles of MI
• To strengthen core skills (open-ended questions, reflections, affirmations, summaries)
• To experience and practice using MI for handling resistance and discord effectively
• To identify ways in which to use MI to support culturally-responsive care
Includes:
✓ Guiding Philosophy of MI
✓ Key Components of MI
✓ Skill Building Training with Guided Practice
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Organizational MI Support (Virtual)
Provided for 3-6 month period following initial training experience
Goals:
• To develop internal capacity to support use of MI on organizational level following initial training experience
• To support a select group of individuals in developing proficiency in MI
• To create ongoing plan for long-term support of MI skills within organization
Description:
• 3-6 60-minute group MI coaching sessions
• Up to three 1:1 coding/feedback sessions provided to each participant
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MI Skills Tune-Up (Virtual)
Designed for people with previous MI training who would like 1:1 feedback to develop/maintain proficiency.
Goals:
• To support proficiency in MI
• To receive individual feedback/coaching regarding MI practice
• To update knowledge of MI based on recent research and developments
Description:
• 1st 30-minute call to discuss previous MI training, current use of MI, and coaching goals
• 2nd 30-minute call includes recorded skills demonstration with trainer as standardized patient/client
• Coding of demonstration with written report
• 3rd 30-minute call to discuss report and receive individualized feedback and recommendations for further skills development
Contact us about MI Trainings
Interested in an MI training for your organization? Fill out the form below, and we will be in touch with you shortly.
6 Open-Ended Questions
Open-ended questions are a core skill in MI. These questions are designed to assist you in using MI.
How to Listen
In MI, listening means paying close attention to what we say. This resource shows you how to demonstrate listening and understanding.
Offering Advice & Information
This resource describes a framework for giving information and advice that can work well in tough circumstances.
Training Resources
Boost Oregon proudly offers a variety of training resources for free. Although these are best understood and used after completing a training, they can be helpful tools to get you started with MI today.
Organizations/Events for which we have provided motivational interviewing trainings:
Washington County Public Health
Northwest Regional Re-Entry Center
Willamette Health Council
Oregon Youth Authority
Northwest Immunization Conference 2022
Head Start Services Advisory Board - Portland Public Schools