This introductory training provides psychotherapists with a solid foundation in Motivational Interviewing (MI), a collaborative, person-centered approach designed to enhance intrinsic motivation for change. Rooted in the spirit of partnership, compassion, acceptance, and evocation, MI helps clients resolve ambivalence and move toward meaningful behavioral change. Participants will explore the core principles of MI, including the four processes (engaging, focusing, evoking, and planning), with a focus on essential communication skills such as open-ended questions, affirmations, reflective listening, and summarizing.

Upon completion of the training, participants will be able to:

• Describe the spirit, principles, and four core processes of Motivational Interviewing.
• Demonstrate basic MI communication skills, including reflective listening and eliciting change talk.
• Identify opportunities to apply Motivational Interviewing techniques to support behavior change in a variety of clinical contexts.

Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.

For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 Clinical continuing education training.

Course Instructor: Dreya Blume, LCSW

Recording Date: May 2, 2026