Intro to Motivational Interviewing

Motivational Interviewing (MI), developed by William Miller, Ph.D. and Stephen Rollnick. Ph.D. in the 1980s is an Evidence-Based Practice that holds a key to unlocking our clients’ own unique intrinsic motivations to make significant changes in their lives. It has been shown to be an effective approach to treatment in many fields including substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence, diabetes management and other healthcare areas, juvenile justice, corrections and workforce counseling.

For this 3-day training, much of our focus will be on meaningful connections and uses of MI in a way that appreciates and supports the Native cultural value system. We will examine the basic concepts and uses of MI, practice using MI tools, and learn the steps in mastery of this valuable tool for our counseling toolboxes.

Learning objectives

1. Understand the definition, spirit, and the four key interrelated elements of Motivational Interviewing
2. Become familiar with the four key processes of MI
3. Practice using some of the opening strategies of OARS (open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections and summarizations) to elicit Change Talk, which leads to change.
4. To experience and practice a Motivational Interviewing approach to dealing with resistance.

Presenters:

Betty R. Poitra, LSW, MA an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa from Belcourt, North Dakota. Betty is a Motivational Interviewer trainer and has over 30+ years’ experience working in child welfare, extensive experience in mental health and chemical health programs working with tribal and urban communities.

Jane Nakken, Ed. D is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) and has been a substance abuse prevention and treatment professional since 1974.

This is a MIWRC Learning Center Training which is funded in part by the State of Minnesota DHS, Behavioral Health Division, American Indian Section.