How to Learn Motivational Interviewing

Learn motivational interviewing by attending workshops and courses.

Motivational interviewing (MI) is a style of client-centered counseling that helps clients find the motivation to change maladaptive behavior. MI has been used successfully with substance abusers, criminal justice populations, individuals with eating disorders and in couples counseling.

Developed by William Miller and Stephen Rollnick, the motivational interviewing strategy uses empathy, reflective listening, verbal cues and negotiation skills to help clients resolve the ambivalence that exists between their behavior and their values, goals or beliefs. Practitioners of MI believe that clients can find solutions within themselves. Many counselors start learning motivational interviewing on their own and then formalize their training through a variety of programs.

Instructions

1. Expose yourself to the fundamentals of motivational interviewing by reading about it, viewing training videos or speaking with an experienced MI practitioner. This will help you learn the basic principles of motivational interviewing and contrast it with other counseling approaches.

2. Take a one-day workshop in motivational interviewing to familiarize yourself with the techniques and get some basic practice. This will give you direct experience and help you decide if you are interested in learning more.

3. Attend a basic two- to three-day clinical training program for motivational interviewing. This will strengthen your client-centered counseling techniques, further acquaint you with the practice of MI, teach you the cues to look for in client language and help you cope with client resistance. The workshop format will combine lecture-style delivery of information with opportunities to try new skills. Look for a workshop that is offered in four-hour blocks so you have opportunities to practice between sessions.

4. Attend an advanced two- to three-day clinical training program for motivational interviewing. This will provide more opportunities for supervised practice and feedback. You will learn how to elicit and shape "change talk" and commitment language--and tell the difference between the two. The curriculum will also cover any recent research or other developments in motivational interviewing.

5. Engage someone with the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) to provide you with on-site one-on-one supervision and feedback. You will receive personalized advice and support that is directly relevant to your area of practice on an as-needed basis.

Tips & Warnings

• Those who take a single basic workshop can feel overconfident in their motivational interviewing skills. MI practitioners should be properly trained, supervised and undertake ongoing professional development.

• You can find certificate programs in motivational interviewing at various training institutions. Some offer on-site programs while others offer a blend of on-site and distance education or programs that are completely on line.

References

• The Canadian Association of Substance Abuse and Allied Professionals: The Essentials of Motivational Interviewing
• Motivational Interviewing: Training
• Motivational Interviewing: Training for New Trainers

Resources

• "Motivational Interviewing: Preparing People for Change"; William Miller and Stephen Rollnick; 2002