Foster Care Training

Using Motivational Interviewing (MI) can be very helpful with variety of issues where clients are ambivalent about change. MI reduces resistance and empowers clients to take steps for change. Even though MI evolved from experience in the treatment of substance related issues, the applications are endless, including increasing the treatment engagement with clients who are system-involved. This 3-hrs workshop is designed to become familiar with the fundamental spirit and principles of MI and to decide level of interest in learning more. The participants will also learn two specific applications of MI, which are how to elicit change talk and how to respond to change talk to increase motivation for change. In addition to didactic training, videos, and handouts, participants will practice and experience using MI skills through experiential activities.

Objectives:

1. To be familiar with the fundamental spirit and principles of MI
2. To directly experience the MI approach and contrast it with others
3. To learn practical guidelines for two specific applications “in the spirit of MI”
4. To have direct practice in and experience of this particular application