Motivational interviewing 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. Motivational interviewing utilises the principles and practices of person-centred counselling to engage a person in a conversation about change. Resistance is viewed as evidence of ongoing ambivalence about change, and is met with reflection and empathy rather than confrontation.
Research studies into the clinical effectiveness of motivational interviewing across a vast range of settings have generally supported the claim that motivational interviewing is an effective and adaptable therapeutic style for preparing and supporting people to change. This two-day motivational interviewing workshop provides participants with an understanding of the theory, spirit and processes of motivational interviewing. Throughout the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to view demonstrations of motivational interviewing and to practice the skills essential to the approach. Workshop participants will be provided with a set of handouts to support their learning both during and following the workshop.