Motivational Interviewing

About Motivational Interviewing

Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, person-centered approach to strengthen drive and commitment to change. Strengths-based engagement strategies and motivational interviewing are an important part of effective communication with youth and families to support their continued progress toward applying solutions to challenges. These techniques help professionals express compassion, partnership, and respect- even in challenging situations. Participants will have an opportunity to practice the spirit, principles, and skills of Motivational Interviewing, and to incorporate strengths-based engagement into their work with youth and families.

This course is equivalent to the “Motivational Interviewing: A Strengths-Based Practice”. Learners should select the appropriate course according to their role.

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for child welfare and juvenile justice direct service staff.

Benefits of the Program

Participants will:

• Learn to focus on youth and family strengths and resilience.
• Better understand how to create strengths-based partnerships with youth and families through effective communication.
• Strengthen their ability to partner with youth and families in working toward establishing and reaching their goals.

Course Prerequisites

Prior to attending this course, learners are required to have completed:

• An online pre-test accessed through the Cornerstone Learning Management System.
• A 30 minute, interactive, online eLearning module.

Course Components

Once enrolled in the course, learners will complete:

• An online pre-test accesed before the day of class.
• A 30 minute, interactive, online eLearning module.
• An interactive, one-day instructor led workshop.
• An online post-test.

Completion of all components is necessary to receive a Certificate of Completion. A 30 minute e-learning module will be made available as a refresher for learners after course completion.

Continuing Education Units

The New York City Administration for Children’s Services is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0402. This course is 6.5 contact hours/0.65 CEUs. CEU credit is contingent upon completion of all course components.

“Out of all the trainings I’ve been to, this was the best!”

—Motivational Interviewing Participant