Motivational Interviewing Overview

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a proven, evidence-based psychotherapy designed to guide individuals through the process of change. This training offers an overview of MI’s origins, highlights the research backing its effectiveness, and presents key conceptual and research updates. Through interactive methods, participants will engage in a dynamic learning experience that includes video demonstrations of MI in action and opportunities for thoughtful self-reflection.

Participants will obtain general knowledge in the four tasks of engaging, evoking, focusing, and planning Upon completion, participants will have developed an understanding of the core skills; open-ended questions, affirmations, empathic reflections, and summaries. These skills are practiced throughout the four tasks to support people in resolving the common problem of ambivalence with the overarching goal of making healthy life changes.

4 CEs are available for NYS LMHCs, LMSWs, LCSWs, LMFTs, LCATs, NYS Licensed Psychologists and NYS Licensed Psychoanalysts upon completion of this training.

Objectives:

Upon completion of the training participants will be able to

-define Motivational Interviewing (MI) and demonstrate an intermediate understanding of the critical elements of the treatment.

-develop an understanding of the underlying spirit of MI and how this influences the intervention.

-identify and describe the technical skills of MI.

-recognize reflective listening responses and differentiate them from other counseling responses.

In accordance with the NY State Department of Education guidelines, in order to receive continuing education contact hours, a participant needs to be present for the duration of the workshop/training. Therefore, participants who arrive late or leave the event early will not be granted a certificate of completion.

​Cancellation Policy: Refunds/credits will be provided for cancellations made in writing up to the day before the event.

Accommodations and Accessibility: HVPD welcomes participants with diverse abilities. Please contact us at info@hudsonvalleyprofessionaldevelopment.com to request accessibility accommodations. Accommodation requests are considered in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Jimmy Portner has been a Social Worker in mental health and substance use for 20 years, focusing on advancing Evidence-Based Practices. He is accomplished in Motivational Interviewing (MI), clinical settings, teaching, and research, bringing over a decade of leadership experience in the National MI VA program.

A member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT), Jimmy has extensive expertise in the core components of MI, fidelity assessment, and effective delivery methods.

Jimmy is also a certified trainer and provider of Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT), a treatment targeting emotional overcontrol. Since 2014, he has practiced and taught RO-DBT, specializing in its application to complex, treatment-resistant cases.

For over a decade, Jimmy has been a community lecturer at The Ohio State University’s College of Social Work. His professional interests include the intersection of culture and mental health, social signaling, and innovative approaches to challenging conditions.

Outside of work, Jimmy enjoys time with his wife, a fellow social worker, and their two children. He is dedicated to fostering connection and understanding, balancing leadership and mentoring with his passion for supporting the next generation of social workers.