Motivational Interviewing: Using Compassionate Conversation to Facilitate Change

In Person Seminar

Smith College Campus Center

100 Elm Street, Northampton, MA 01060

Instructor: Sara Schieffelin, LICSW

Level: Intermediate

March 15 and 16, 2024, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET

CEs: 12

This is a multiple-day session. In order to receive CEs, you must attend both days.

Review CE accreditation and approvals for this course on tab above.

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidenced-based practice that came out of the addictions field and is applicable to a wide range of presenting problems. It is currently used in the health care, mental health and substance abuse/recovery fields and is gaining increasing recognition for its efficacy, broad application and humanistic approach.

During Motivational Interviewing conversations, the practitioner engages the client in a guided dialogue meant to uncover and heighten ambivalence around a target behavior or issue, aid the client in resolving their ambivalence and ultimately identify a change plan that supports the client’s self-definition of health. MI employs a core set of skills, used within an overarching framework or “spirit,” which includes respect, promotion of autonomy and personal choice, collaboration, acceptance, compassion/empathy and evocation.

This highly interactive and participatory two-day seminar will offer the basics of Motivational Interviewing, with emphasis on exploring and understanding the spirit of MI and learning and practicing the core skills through “real” plays, demonstrations, exercises and case examples. Participants new to MI will leave with effective tools, and those already familiar will increase their confidence and repertoire.