Motivational interviewing is a collaborative, goal-oriented style of communication with particular attention to the language of change, and is a highly recommended, evidence-based approach to helping people address their substance use behaviours.  It is recommended for all practitioners based in AOD and mental health settings who provide direct support to people experiencing substance use concerns.

MI training involves a blended learning program consisting of 4 self-directed eLearning modules (approx. three hours total), and a two-day interactive workshop. Following the virtual classrooms, participants are invited to take part in “follow-up” Zoom calls scheduled throughout the year. In these follow up calls, participants will be able to seek additional feedback after applying their new M.I. skills in direct practice.

This two-day workshop builds on the content covered in the introductory eLearning modules by providing structured opportunities for application, practice and discussion.

Day 1: The Spirit of MI and Change Talk 

Day 1 will cover the underlying spirit of MI, along with the core skills which are used in other forms of counselling and across the four processes of MI. The workshop focuses on how to recognise and respond to change talk, including the different subtypes of change talk and ways of evoking confidence.

Day 2: Evoking Change Talk, Processes and Consolidating Commitment 

Day 2 will focus on how to evoke change talk, the heart of MI, and demonstrate how to use the core skills to respond to sustain talk and what to do if there is discord. The workshop will look at the four processes of MI, how to recognise which stage your client may be at to inform your approach, including giving information and advice, consolidating commitment and developing a change plan.

Follow up phone call 

This follow up zoom call will be scheduled approximately 4 weeks after the workshop so that participants can further discuss and/or practice their use of the core MI skills with feedback provided from the training facilitators.