Facilitator Led Intro to MI
This full-day introductory workshop explores the foundations and spirit of Motivational Interviewing (MI), a collaborative approach to conversations about change. Participants will examine ambivalence, learn to recognize change talk and sustain talk, and explore how partnership, acceptance, compassion, and empowerment guide effective helping conversations. Through interactive exercises and guided practice, participants will build their OARS skills: open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries. The workshop emphasizes practical ways to respond to uncertainty, strengthen engagement, and support people in identifying their own reasons for change while respecting their autonomy.
This training is facilitated by Dr. Kate Watson, of The Advocacy Academy. Although The Advocacy Academy primarily trains victim advocates, family advocates, and child advocates who respond to power-based violence, this training is open to anyone from any profession. Social workers, health care providers, and educators are often drawn to these trainings because Dr. Kate Watson trains through a trauma-informed lens.
Agenda:
- 10:00 Foundations of Motivational Interviewing
- 11:00 Break
- 11:15 Spirit of Motivational Interviewing
- 12:30 Lunch break
- 1:30 Skill building and practice, part 1
- 2:30 Break
- 2:45 Skill building and practice, part 2
- 3:45 Wrap Up
- 4:00 End
