Motivational Interviewing (MI) with a Focus on Intimate Partner Violence

Trainer: Dr. Marya Wright, DSW, MSW

Date: October 30, 2025

Time: 9:15am - 3:15pm

Location: Virtual – Zoom

Agency: A Better Way Inc.

Participants must complete registration via the A Better Way Inc. website in order to gain full access to the training course.

COMPLETE REGISTRATION HERE: A Better Way Training

A Better Way is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor Continuing Education for LCSW, LMFT, LPCC, LEP (62361). This course meets the qualifications for Continuing Education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. A Better Way maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content.

This course is sponsored by A Better Way in partnership with CLPCCD and County Child Welfare Services. Training sessions are funded by The Federal Foster Care Title IV-E Program. CE credit is available for select courses. Inquire for details www.abetterwayinc.net.

Please email the training department at trainings@abetterwayinc.net for further assistance.

This training explores how to apply Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques to effectively support transition-age youth (TAY) experiencing intimate partner violence, homelessness, and mental illness. Participants will deepen their MI skills through a trauma-informed lens, focusing on building trust, addressing ambivalence, and fostering empowerment. Interactive activities, including role-playing and practical demonstrations, will provide tools to navigate the complex needs of foster and system-involved youth. By attending, professionals will gain strategies to promote safety, resilience, and positive change, enhancing their ability to support this vulnerable population. The material will be delivered by PowerPoint presentation, short video clips, group discussion, breakout (small group) discussions and participant workbook (handout).

Objective 1

*Identify at least three trauma-informed Motivational Interviewing (MI) strategies to address ambivalence and foster change in transition-age youth (TAY) experiencing intimate partner violence.

Objective 2

*Apply at least two MI techniques, including reflective listening and double-sided reflections, to support TAY in navigating complex emotions and decision-making related to intimate partner violence.

Objective 3

*Evaluate the effectiveness of MI interventions by using a provided checklist to measure the alignment of open-ended questions, affirmations, and reflections with trauma-informed principles.

Objective 4

*Integrate trauma-informed MI techniques into daily practice by using open-ended questions, reflective listening, and affirmations to build trust and foster motivation for change in transition-age youth experiencing intimate partner violence.

By the end of the course:

#1 *Develop individualized support plans that address the unique intersection of homelessness, mental illness, and IPV for system-involved youth, incorporating MI strategies to promote safety, resilience, and long-term goals.

#2 *Professionals will gain strategies to promote safety, resilience, and positive change, enhancing their ability to support this vulnerable population.

Trainer Bio

Marya Wright, DSW, LCSW, is a nationally distinguished Black social worker, consultant, published author, educator, and facilitator with extensive experience in organizational leadership, child welfare services, and curriculum development. As the Founder and CEO of Wright Community Services LLC, Dr. Wright is dedicated to empowering system-involved families through awareness, services, and education. She also provides consultation, training, and facilitation to agencies serving these communities.

Dr. Wright earned her master’s in social work from Cal State East Bay, specializing in Child Welfare Policy and Research, and a bachelor’s in social work with a focus on Child Welfare Services and Motivational Interviewing from San Diego State University. She holds a Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Southern California Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, focusing on achieving equal opportunity and justice in the child welfare system.

As a community leader, Dr. Wright prioritizes building relationships, networking, and collaborating with stakeholders to address social and economic issues faced by clients, aiming for justice and peace. She serves as a qualified expert witness and forensic social worker. Additionally, Dr. Wright sits on the Board of Directors for the International Phi Alpha Honor Society and is actively involved with the National Association of Social Workers and California Chapter.

Dr. Wright’s research interests include child sexual exploitation, foster care, and algorithmic decision-making in child welfare. She has published articles and lectured extensively on these topics. Dr. Wright’s teaching experience includes courses in sociology and social work at Cal State East Bay, focusing on sexualities, child welfare policy, family sociology, and sexual violence. Currently, she serves as a professor in the graduate program teaching generalist practice, human behavior and social environment, and advance practice children youth and families.