A Taste of Motivational Interviewing offers a dynamic introduction to the core principles, spirit, and practical tools of Motivational Interviewing (MI)—a collaborative, person-centered communication method designed to strengthen motivation for change.

Through this session, you’ll:

• Understand the foundational principles and spirit of Motivational Interviewing, including empathy, acceptance, partnership, and evocation.
• Learn how to identify and respond to ambivalence, discord, and change talk using reflective listening and effective questioning strategies.
• Explore the four processes of MI—engage, focus, evoke, and plan—and how they guide conversations toward client-driven action.

Topics include:

• The "righting reflex" and how advice-giving can backfire
• Developing discrepancy between current behavior and personal values
• Techniques for dancing with discord and avoiding common roadblocks
• Tools like EARS and DARN-CATS for eliciting and reinforcing change talk
• Practical uses of the importance and confidence rulers

Whether you're new to MI or looking for a practical refresher, this session equips you with engaging, real-world examples and tools you can use immediately in your work with clients.