From Talk to Transformation: Introductory MI Skills for Meaningful Change
This workshop will be a highly interactive Motivational Interviewing (MI) Fundamentals experience. This can be facilitated live with large group discussion, small group activities and dyad exercises virtually through the use of whole group experience and smaller, focused breakout room design.
As a result of these sessions, you will be able to:
Introductory Objectives:
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Unlock the Power Within: Master the Four Components of MI Spirit
2. Unveiling the Secret: Differentiating Between MI Consistent and Inconsistent Behaviors
3. The Art of Motivational Conversations: Uncover the Four Tasks to a meaningful change conversation
4. Dive Deep: Crafting Quality Open Questions in Every Conversation and why it matters
5. Boosting Confidence: Uncovering Strengths and Skills to Affirm
6. Reflect, Reframe, Repeat: Mastering Reflective Statements
7. Navigate with OARS: Mastering the Skills for Successful Conversations
8. Harness the Power of Change: Identifying Change Talk and Stages of Change
9. Avoiding Pitfalls: Recognizing Traps and Pitfalls in Conversations
10. Amplify Change: Uncovering the Elements of an Effective Change Plan
11. Creating Your Strategy: Developing a Personal Plan for Mastering MI Skills in Counseling Practice
December 20, 2025 deadline for the $319 fee, after which date it increases. See link below for more information.
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Trainer Biography:
Larisa Traga is a California-licensed clinical social worker and master addiction counselor with specialized training in co-occurring disorders. She offers therapy, clinical supervision, consultation, and professional development services across Santa Barbara County and beyond.
With degrees in Psychology (SUNY Binghamton) and Social Work (University of Michigan), Larisa brings over two decades of expertise to her work. She is an EMDRIA-certified EMDR therapist, consultant, and approved trainer, as well as a Certified Motivational Interviewing Trainer and member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT).
In her private practice, Larisa provides culturally responsive, evidence-based therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. She integrates EMDR, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, TRM, and mindfulness to support clients facing anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem challenges, and workplace stress. She also offers Intensive EMDR sessions for those seeking faster, focused results beyond the traditional weekly model.
As a dynamic trainer and consultant, Larisa delivers public and private workshops in EMDR, Motivational Interviewing, NIATx process improvement, the MATRIX model, and A-Tip crisis debriefing. Since 2015, she has also taught Psychology and Human Services courses at Allan Hancock College.
Whether you're seeking therapy, training for your team, or expert consultation, Larisa Traga combines clinical depth with practical tools to support lasting change.
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