Motivational interviewing is a framework that was originally developed in the alcohol and other drug field by William Miller and Stephen Rollnick. The essence of motivational interviewing is that it is a collaborative, goal-oriented style of communication with particular attention to the language of change.

It is designed to strengthen personal motivation for, and commitment to, a specific goal by eliciting and exploring the person’s own reasons for change within an atmosphere of acceptance and compassion.

Research studies into the clinical effectiveness of motivational interviewing, both in specialist alcohol and other drug services and broader health care settings, have generally supported the claim that motivational interviewing is an effective and adaptable therapeutic style for preparing people to change.

On successful completion of this course, learners will be able to:

• Describe the background to motivational interviewing as a person-centred, goal-oriented approach for facilitating change
• Understand the continuum of directing-guiding-following
• Explain the concept of ambivalence in the change process
• Understand the notion of the "righting reflex"
• Discuss the “spirit” of motivational interviewing
• Discuss the implications of ambivalence and its impact on motivation and change
• Explain the process of change, drawing on the Stages of Change model and the relationship between importance, confidence and readiness for change
• Discuss the concepts of ‘sustain talk’ and 'change talk'
• Identify key micro-skills for building rapport, enhancing communication, helping people to explore ambivalence and express their reasons for change
• Explain what is meant by sustain talk and discord and demonstrate strategies for addressing these
• Demonstrate techniques and strategies for working with people to increase the possibility of change
• Discuss the application of the principles and practice of motivational interviewing with specific groups

Who should attend?

Alcohol and other drug workers, mental health workers, health practitioners, community sector workers