Josh Bensink (he/him) is an educator, facilitator, and well-being professional who believes that the heart of Motivational Interviewing lives in the quality of connection between people. With a background in experiential education, coaching, and leadership skills development, Josh approaches learning as a collaborative process that blends curiosity, presence, and joyful engagement. As a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT), Josh supports volunteers, peer educators, and professionals across diverse fields in developing confidence and clarity in their MI and engagement skills.
Josh’s academic foundation informs and strengthens his work. He holds a master’s degree in higher education and is currently pursuing his doctorate in higher education. His practice focuses on how communication, relational skill‑building, and human‑centered pedagogy shape learning, development, and engagement across diverse educational and organizational contexts. He also holds the Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) certification, integrating MI‑consistent approaches into professions outside traditional clinical contexts.
Josh's trainings focus on the spirit of MI - helping participants recognize the empathy, curiosity, and interpersonal strengths they already bring to their work and apply them meaningfully in real-world conversations.
Josh is known for creating learning environments that are energizing, inclusive, and relational. His facilitation style is experiential and reflective, offering opportunities for participants to slow down, practice presence, and build skills through genuine connection. Learners describe his sessions as grounded, engaging, and confidence-building, with a balance of structure, warmth, and playfulness.
Across coaching, supervision, and team development, Josh centers psychological safety and shared wisdom. He intentionally decentralizes expertise, uplifts diverse perspectives, and encourages people to develop their own authentic style of helping and support. His MI practice continues to evolve through ongoing feedback, reflection, and collaboration within his professional community.
At the core of Josh’s work is a simple belief: being fully present with another person is one of the most meaningful contributions we can offer. He is passionate about creating spaces where people feel understood, supported, and empowered to grow; and where the spirit of MI can be both felt and lived.
