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Working with Motivation

A major set of talking interventions that have been shown to be useful for clients in pre-contemplation and contemplation are often known as motivational interviewing. It has become a highly influential way of working within the sector and large numbers of courses are run by trainers every year to help people gain the core skills, In essence, “Motivational interviewing is a client centred directive method for enhancing intrinsic motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence” *
It aims to be a client centred technique using empathy, unconditional positive regard and the ability to be present with the client as important mechanisms – in this way it is directly influenced by some of the major counselling traditions. Where it is used in a prescriptive way that follows a manual it is considerably less successful.**
So evidence shows that motivational interviewing and motivational enhancement techniques can be effective in helping people make positive changes in their lives. It is particularly important with people who are in the pre-contemplation and contemplation stages of the cycle of change.
This three day course looks at the core concepts in the model and gives participants a chance to develop their skills.

Objectives

By the end of the course participants will be able to:

• Define motivational interviewing
  ▪ Describe its ethical basis
  ▪ Build rapport with a client
  ▪ Assess reasons why people may be resistant to change
  ▪ Decide when it is appropriate to offer an intervention
  ▪ Support people to think about changing their behaviour
  ▪ Practice key skills used in the process
  ▪ Reflect on their own practice to enhance their skills
  

Who will benefit from attending?

The learning on this course is essential for all front line workers especially those who may be alone with clients.

Length 3 days – 9:30 – 4:30 (or equivalent)

DANOS Units or other National Occupational Standards:

GEN 36 Make use of supervision
AI1 Counsel individuals about their substance use using recognized theoretical models
AI2 Help individuals assess their substance use through an action plan
This course is designed and delivered in association with DrugScope

DrugScope is the UK's leading independent centre of expertise on drugs and the national membership organisation for the drug field. Our aim is to inform policy development and reduce drug-related harms - to individuals, families and communities. We provide quality drug information, promote effective responses to drug taking, undertake research, advise on policy-making, encourage informed debate - particularly in the media - and speak for our member organisations working on the ground.

image credit dreamstime

References

* Motivational interviewing 2nd ed William Miller and Stephen Rollnick - Guildford press London New York 2002
** Mike Ashton, The Motivational Halo, in Drug and Alcohol Findings number 13 2005

Please note

All our courses are commissioned for groups and organisations. If you have more than three people who would benefit from working together on this topic, use the link at the the bottom of the page to contact me, or click here to find out more about getting us to deliver a programme.

We regret that we do not have an open access programme