How can we help our clients/patients make positive changes in their behavior -- without nagging, shaming, persuading, or arguing? Motivational interviewing (MI) is an evidence- based counseling approach that can help individuals change behaviors they might feel ambivalent about, such as exercising, changing their diet, quitting alcohol/drugs, adopting safer sex practices, taking important medications, or starting psychotherapy. In this 6-hour training, participants will learn the fundamentals of motivational interviewing, including the MI spirit, the four processes of MI, use of the core techniques (open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections, summaries), the strategic use of different types of reflective listening, how to evoke and strengthen motivation for change, and how to roll with difficulty and discord within the helping relationship. Training participants will have the opportunity to learn in a variety of ways including lecture, demonstrations, discussions, and experiential learning activities designed to give them a richer understanding of the use of motivational interviewing in therapeutic and healthcare settings.

This workshop is for professionals providing direct services to Veterans in therapeutic, healthcare, and other supportive settings. This introductory training is appropriate for mental health professionals (e.g. psychologists, social workers, marriage & family therapists, counselors), medical professionals (e.g., physicians, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists), and professionals in other supportive roles (e.g., case managers, employment specialists, coaches, probation/parole officers).

Cost: None

Parking: $3/day on campus (pay at the Kiosk in front of the Colin Education Hall)

Free CEs & Clock Hours: Workshop certificate documents hours of instruction toward Continuing Education. Clock-hour forms are available free upon completion of the workshop.

The Veterans Training Support Center is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. VTSC maintains responsibility for this program and its content.