Keeping It Real & Professional: Motivational Interviewing and Ethical Self-Disclosure in
Recovery Work
Training Description:
This 3-hour interactive training is designed for recovery coaches, peer supports, and board
members working in addiction recovery. Participants will explore the meaning of
professionalism in recovery work, learn how to apply motivational interviewing (MI) techniques
to client interactions involving lived experiences, and develop a clear framework for ethical and
effective self-disclosure. Through real-world examples, guided practices, and open discussion,
this training equips recovery professionals with tools to build trust, honor their own experiences,
and maintain strong professional boundaries.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
● Define key elements of professionalism in the context of addiction recovery services.
● Demonstrate motivational interviewing strategies when supporting individuals with lived
experience.
● Identify appropriate scenarios for self-disclosure and apply ethical decision-making in
sharing lived experiences.
● Differentiate between supportive disclosure and boundary-crossing behaviors in recovery
support.
Training Agenda:
11:00 – 11:15 AM – Welcome & Introductions: What Does It Mean to Be a Professional?
11:15 – 12:00 PM – Section 1: Professionalism as an Addictions Professional Boundaries, language, modeling recovery, case study breakout
12:00 – 12:45 PM – Section 2: Using MI to Explore Lived Experiences
OARS recap, change talk, reflective listening, guided practice
12:45 – 1:00 PM – Break
1:00 – 1:45 PM – Section 3: Ethical Self-Disclosure in Recovery Work Guidelines for sharing, ethical decision-making framework, practice
1:45 – 2:00 PM – Wrap-Up: Key Takeaways & Evaluation
