Motivational Interviewing

Catalog description

Students in this course will learn the theory and skills of motivational interviewing as they relate to stage-appropriate assessment and treatment of persons with co-occurring health, mental health and substance use issues. These skills will include: (1) using empathy and the skills of open ended questioning, affirmation, reflective listening and summarizing to develop discrepancies between behaviors and goals; (2) rolling with resistance; (3) eliciting, recognizing and reinforcing change talk; and (4) negotiating a change plan. Students will learn how to integrate motivational interviewing with assessment and treatment planning skills as well as other relevant interventions such as harm reduction, medication, and cognitive-behavioral approaches in order to assist people in achieving and maintaining therapeutic goals.