Motivational Interviewing

Catalog description

This advanced methods course provides a basic orientation to the concepts in Motivational Interviewing, which is a collaborative, person-centered form of eliciting and strengthening motivation for change. It is a way of working with persons to assist them in accessing their intrinsic motivation to change behaviors that contradict their essential values and interfere with the achievement of their life goals. Motivational Interviewing is both a philosophy and a set of strategic techniques. It is an evidence-based treatment with a broad range of applications. The course will place an emphasis on individuals with severe and persistent mental illness and/or substance use disorders. Specific techniques to recognize, elicit and strengthen change talk, as well as responding to resistance and consolidating a person's commitment to change will be explored. Exercises and examples specific to the unique practice setting of participants will be incorporated. Students will have an opportunity to practice these techniques in role/real-play and other group exercises as well as measure skill application and provide meaningful feedback to their peers. Prereq: Advanced Standing or ( SASS 504 and SASS 508 ).