Evidence-Based Practice
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
This training teaches the rationale and core techniques of Motivational Interviewing, including how to engage clients in a non-judgmental, non-confrontational way to build intrinsic motivation for change.
Participants will practice applying MI techniques across a range of behavioral health settings and populations.
About This Practice
What is MI?
MI is a client-centered counseling approach that engages clients' intrinsic motivation to change toward healthier behavior. MI counselors use a set of specific, teachable techniques within a non-judgmental, non-confrontational atmosphere to increase clients' awareness of the problems and of the consequences and risks associated with the unhealthy behavior in question.
MI has a shown robust evidence of effectiveness in improving a range of health behavior problems, including substance use disorders, treatment non-adherence and smoking. MI can be delivered flexibly, in short- or long-term intervention formats.
Training Details
Select Your Training
MI Introduction
- Duration: 2 days
- Training offered on-site (your location or ours) or virtually
- Certificate of completion awarded at the conclusion of the course
* CEUs available upon request.
This course covers the foundational principles and spirit of MI, including the core concepts of partnership, acceptance, compassion, and evocation. Participants explore the basic communication skills of OARS – open questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries – and how to apply them in practice.
MI Intermediate Training
- Duration: 2 days
- Training offered on-site (your location or ours)
- Prior to attending the in-person training, you must have completed Motivational Interviewing - Introduction (provided by our Center of Excellence) at least 3 months in advance
- Certificate of completion awarded at the conclusion of the course
*CEUs available upon request.
Building on foundational skills, this course dives deeper into recognizing and responding to change talk and sustain talk within clinical conversations. Participants learn how to guide clients through ambivalence and strengthen their commitment to change using more advanced MI strategies.
MI Refresher
- Duration: 4 hours
- Training offered on-site (your location or ours) or virtually
- Prior to attending the in-person training, you must have completed Motivational Interviewing - Introduction (provided by our Center of Excellence) within the last 12 months
- Certificate of completion awarded at the conclusion of the course
*CEUs available upon request.
Designed for practitioners with prior MI training, this course revisits core concepts and identifies common drift points where MI-consistent practice tends to break down. Participants recalibrate their skills and leave with renewed focus on fidelity to the MI approach.
Need Guidance?
Not sure which training format is right for your team? We're happy to help you find the best fit.
Curriculum Highlights
What You'll Learn
- The theoretical framework and spirit of Motivational Interviewing
- Core MI skills: OARS (Open questions, Affirmations, Reflections, Summaries)
- How to recognize and respond to change talk and sustain talk
- Strategies for navigating ambivalence and resistance without confrontation
- Application of MI across substance use, treatment adherence, and health behavior contexts
- Advanced techniques covered in the Intermediate course, including planning and evoking
Evidence Base
Demonstrated Outcomes
Behavior Change Across Settings
MI has demonstrated effectiveness in improving outcomes across substance use disorders, medication adherence, smoking cessation, and a wide range of health behavior challenges.
Reduced Resistance, Stronger Engagement
By meeting clients where they are, MI-trained practitioners report significantly reduced client resistance and improved therapeutic alliance across short- and long-term interventions.
Scalable & Flexible Delivery
MI can be delivered in brief or extended formats, making it one of the most adaptable evidence-based approaches for diverse clinical and community settings.