This course is designed to help line staff that work with individuals that may lack motivation to change negative situations. Motivational interviewing focuses on giving you the skills to establish a collaborative approach to strengthen a person’s own motivation for and commitment to change. This two-day course teaches the basics of motivational interviewing. You will learn how to form a collaborative, person-centered approach that strengthens motivation to change.

Performance Objectives: Upon completion of this course you should be able to:

• Identify the key concepts involved in motivational interviewing.
• Identify, examine and resolve an individual’s lack of motivation in changing negative behavior.
• Work in a collaborative approach to foster change.
• Understand approaches to expressing empathy.
• Understand how to use open ended questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries (OARS).

Competencies: Coaching; Mentoring

Intended Audience: Public sector employees that work with the public in some type of counseling relationship.