PRINCIPLES OF MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING: AN INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOP
Motivational interviewing (MI) has emerged as one of the most critical, evidence-based approaches when working with patients to promote behavior change. Originally developed in the context of treating substance use disorders, MI is a collaborative method of communication that pays particular attention to the language of change. MI helps to strengthen intrinsic motivation for change by exploring the patient’s own reasons for change within an atmosphere of acceptance, partnership, evocation and compassion.
The MI approach has been researched extensively in diverse settings, including primary care, mental health, addictions, education, and corrections, and continuously evolving MI strategies have necessitated ongoing education for all types of healthcare workers. This introductory course is designed to help a variety of clinicians interested in learning the basic MI principles to translate that knowledge into practice.
The course will review the four processes, spirit of MI, patient-centered communications skills, change and sustain talk, and approaches to patients who are “resistant” to change. Multiple learning approaches will be used throughout the course, including didactics, video demonstrations, role-plays, and small group discussions. The target audience for this course includes physicians, psychiatrists, mental health practitioners, nurses, social workers, addiction counselors, dieticians, pharmacists, and other allied health professionals who help patients adopt more healthy lifestyles.
