Motivational Interviewing

Duration: 1, 2 or 4 Days

Summary: The evidence-based clinical method of Motivational Interviewing, an effective approach in peer-assisted recovery field.

Description: Motivational Interviewing is a client-centered, evidence-based, directive method for enhancing intrinsic motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence. After orientation to the underlying spirit, structure, and principles of Motivational Interviewing, practical exercises will help participants strengthen empathy skills, recognize and elicit patient change talk, and understand discord. This class will provide peer- recovery specialists and past, current or future practitioners of MI with an opportunity to explore creative ways of integrating these approaches.

This MI class was designed with peer assisted recovery in mind, however, the content for this is no different than the MI Basics that would be taught to clinical practitioners in behavioral health, substance use disorder or community health settings. 

This class includes the option to have two recorded conversations evaluated utilizing the Motivational Interviewing Competency Assessment along with two individual 1:1 coaching sessions to review the codings and assist with proficiency. 

Online 4-day option: This training is an online Zoom version of our two-day training offered over 4 days. This allows time to practice skills while receiving an interactive online introduction to the evidence-based clinical method of Motivational Interviewing, an effective approach in the care of working in peer-assisted recovery supports.

“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.” 

~ Stephen Rollnick and William R. Miller, Sheffield, UK Oct 2011

This course has been approved by SOS Recovery Community Organization, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for 11 CE. NAADAC Provider #185501, SOS Recovery Community Organization is responsible for all aspects of its programing.

This course is pre-approved for 11 CEU’s from the NH Board of Licensing for Alcohol and other Drugs. LADC/MLADC Categories of Competence: 12, CRSW Performance Domains: 2

About the Trainer:

John Burns, MBA, CRSW, is the Executive Director of SOS Recovery Community Organization. John has been engaged in training delivery and development over the last six years at SOS. While supervising his staff at three recovery centers, he assists in training and supervision of three Recovery Community Centers. SOS operates syringe service programs and harm reduction supplies at all of their recovery community centers as well as a comprehensive outreach program with those experiencing homelessness and a statewide program for individuals involved in the criminal justice system. John is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) and completed the MINT training of new trainers. He has been trained extensively in motivational interviewing techniques through a series of trainings and train the trainers sessions with other MINT members including Stephen Andrew LCSW, LADC, CCS, CGP, John Gilbert MS, RD, CCP, RHC-III, ACSM-CEP®, Ali Hall, JD, and Casey Jackson MSW, MAC, LICSW, CDP. He has also had several coaching and coding trainings. He has trained under Denise Ernst. PhD in Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity (MITI) Coding and is trained and authorized to complete Motivational Interviewing Competency Assessments (MICA) for coding practitioners of MI.