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info@boostoregon.org

  • Home
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Resources
  • DONATE

What is Motivational Interviewing?

Motivational interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based, collaborative approach to conversation that supports behavior change. Initially developed in the 1980s, nearly 2000 clinical trials have shown the efficacy of motivational interviewing in a variety of settings, including health care and public health settings where conversations about behavior and lifestyle change regularly take place.


MI can be particularly helpful in conversations about vaccines and other topics around which people may express ambivalence (e.g. substance use, medication adherence, physical activity). Although many helpers focus on providing corrective information and education, this approach often backfires, leaving both parties feeling unheard and frustrated. In contrast, an MI approach leaves people feeling respected, heard, and more likely to consider recommendations from trusted providers and helpers.


While the concept of a collaborative approach seems simple, developing proficiency in MI requires time and commitment. Boost Oregon offers a variety of training options to support you and your organization in learning more about MI so that your clients can receive the best possible support and care

in-person training options

Introductory MI Training: 4 hours (In-Person)

Goals: 

• To learn about the spirit of MI and practice several core skills

• To identify client language indicative of potential change

• To have direct practice and experience of a particular application of MI 


Includes:

✓ Guiding Philosophy of MI

✓ Key Components of MI

✓ Skill Building Training


Available to organizations with a group of at least 10 learners. 

Foundations of MI: 6 hours (In-Person)

Goals: 

• To apply the core skills and principles of MI to encourage positive behavior change

• To demonstrate the fundamental spirit and principles of MI 

• To strengthen core skills (open-ended questions, reflections, affirmations, summaries)


Includes:

✓ Guiding Philosophy of MI

✓ Key Components of MI

✓ Skill Building Training with Guided Practice


Available to organizations with a group of at least 10 learners. 

Virtual training options

Overview of MI: 1 hour (Virtual)

Goals: 

• To learn about the spirit and principles of MI and determine interest in learning more 

• To be acquainted with relevant evidence of efficacy 

• To contrast the MI approach with other approaches 


Includes:

✓ Guiding Philosophy of MI


Available to organizations with a group of at least 10 learners. 

MI Skill Building Series (Virtual, 9 Hours, offered in 3 x 3-Hour Sessions)

Goals: 

• To apply the core skills and principles of MI to encourage positive behavior change 

• To demonstrate the fundamental spirit and principles of MI  

• To strengthen core skills (open-ended questions, reflections, affirmations, summaries) 

• To experience and practice using MI for handling resistance and discord effectively 

• To identify ways in which to use MI to support culturally-responsive care  


Includes:

✓ Guiding Philosophy of MI

✓ Key Components of MI

✓ Skill Building Training with Guided Practice


Available to organizations with a group of at least 10 learners. 

Virtual follow-up training options

Organizational MI Support (Virtual)

Provided for 3-6 month period following initial training experience

Goals:  

• To develop internal capacity to support use of MI on organizational level following initial training experience

• To support a select group of individuals in developing proficiency in MI 

• To create ongoing plan for long-term support of MI skills within organization 


Description: 

• 3-6 60-minute group MI coaching sessions 

• Up to three 1:1 coding/feedback sessions provided to each participant 

MI Skills Tune-Up (Virtual)

Designed for people with previous MI training who would like 1:1 feedback to support skills development.

Goals:

• To support proficiency in MI

• To receive individual feedback/coaching regarding MI practice

• To update knowledge of MI based on recent research and developments


Description:

• 1st 30-minute call to discuss previous MI training, current use of MI, and coaching goals

• 2nd 30-minute call includes recorded skills demonstration with trainer as standardized patient/client

• Coding of demonstration with written report

• 3rd 30-minute call to discuss report and receive individualized feedback and recommendations for further skills development

Contact us to learn more

our trainers

Carrie Bader, MPH, MOTR/L, CHES

Carrie Bader (she/her/hers), MPH, MOT first attended an MI training in 2007 and has been a dedicated student of MI ever since. She is a health educator and occupational therapist, and is a certified MI trainer through the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT). 


Carrie has presented at conferences, healthcare settings, and non-profit organizations for a wide variety of professionals, including front-line staff, clinical staff, administrators, and leadership. She has provided training to hundreds of people in settings that include:

  • Health Care
  • Behavioral Health
  • Addictions
  • Local and State Government
  • Community-Based Organizations
  • Law Enforcement
  • Schools/Universities

Heather Lynch

Heather Lynch (she/her/hers) MA, CRC, OPMA has been mentoring and guiding Motivational Interviewing skills practice with a wide variety of humans in service working with other humans on growth and change, since 2007. Heather is a certified rehabilitation counselor and member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT). 


She is passionate about helping individuals to find their own style and practice within the Spirit of MI. Heather has created learning opportunities for people in many settings and roles, working with humans on a variety of change and growth topics. Some examples include: Education, Employment, Chronic Health Conditions, Substance Use/Misuse, Mental Health, Corrections, and Housing. Heather has been a Trainer Support and Lead Trainer for MINT Train New Trainer events and finds joy in coaching others to find their way to MINT membership.

practice your motivational interviewing skills

If you have participated in a past training, join the MI Learning Community here.

JOIN NOW

MI training resources

Boost Oregon proudly offers a variety of training resources for free. Although these are best understood and used after completing a training, they can be helpful tools to get you started with MI today.  If you have participated in a past training, join the MI Learning Community here.

Six Open-Ended Questions (pdf)

Download

Offering Advice and Information (pdf)

Download

How to Listen (pdf)

Download

MI Demo: The Vaccine-Hesitant Mother

Motivational Interviewing in Health Care

Motivational Interviewing, 4th ed: Helping People Change and Grow

The Vaccine Whisperers

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11918 SE Division St. #2022 I Portland, OR 97266

503.208.4024 I info@boostoregon.org

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Oregon 501(c)3 Nonprofit Organization

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