San Francisco, CA USA Introductory S. Berg-Smith

3-day MI Introductory Intensive

Motivational Interviewing (MI), first described by William Miller (1983), and later elaborated in the classic book—Motivational Interviewing: Preparing People for Change (1991, 2002, 2014, 2024)—offers a practical, evidence-based approach for supporting clients in making and sustaining healthy behavior changes.  Originally developed in the drug and alcohol field, over 300 clinical trials demonstrate the efficacy of MI across a range of populations, target behaviors, and medical conditions.  In particular, MI has been shown to be especially effective in brief clinical encounters and for individuals not ready or unsure about change.  This intensive 3-day workshop will provide participants an in-depth overview of the theory, principles, and skills of MI.  Participants will be guided through a sequence of learning activities to explore and shape counseling practice behavior, and to initiate a process for developing proficiency in MI.  Learning activities will include: demonstrations, videotape examples, “real-plays,” fictional case studies, small group exercises, and significant participant practice with feedback.