The Spirit of Motivational Interviewing

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a strengths-based approach to conversations that helps draw out people’s own motivation and commitment to change in an atmosphere of compassion, acceptance, and partnership. The approach involves guiding and supporting a person through the process of sorting through mixed feelings about change.

This foundational Motivational Interviewing (MI) skills training focuses on building an understanding of the spirit of MI and developing core skills, including using OARS (open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries), responding to the way people talk about change, helping people to make Brief Action Plans, and understanding ‘resistance.’ This session is an excellent introduction to MI, or an excellent refresher and update for those who have some prior knowledge and experience with MI.
In this session:
-Describe the spirit of MI and ways to express it.
-Recognize the difference between styles of helping interactions (Directing to Supporting)
-Contrast MI consistent and inconsistent practices.
-Describe and demonstrate the core skills for MI (open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries).
-Identify ways to provide information and advice consistent with the spirit of MI.
-Demonstrate ask-tell-ask.

This course is based on content and curriculum developed by the Centre For Collaboration, Motivation, and Innovation (CCMI)