My primary focus is working with homeless families. I have spent 24 years in this field. I began to learn and apply MI in 2005 and began training other human services professionals in 2008. I am used to working with clients who present multiple concerns during the course of one interaction or meeting. Making change is extremely difficult for persons experiencing homelessness. The spirit, skills and principles of Motivational Interviewing give me an intervention for meeting clients where they are at and helping them to develop their own intrinsic motivation for change.
Training should always speak to the hope and expectation for a better future. As such I provide instruction which combines theory with practical application. Motivational Interviewing is based on the development of excellent listening and reflective skills. According to Dr. Bill Miller, MI can only be mastered by "doing it". Therefore, trainings will necessarily involve plenty of individual practice and participation. Because MI is about developing hope for the future, I provide training which reflects the 4 aspects of the Spirit of Motivational Interviewing. That is: Partnership, Acceptance, Compassion and Evocation.
