Introduction to Motivational Interviewing

This module provides an overview of Motivational Interviewing (MI) and explains why it is a useful approach in behavioral health settings. The content introduces how MI supports conversations about change, strengthens collaboration between practitioners and the people they serve, and creates space for individuals’ own motivations and ideas to guide the process. By the end of this module, learners will have a clear understanding of the purpose of MI and the foundational mindset that makes it effective.

Learning Outcomes

Learners who complete this module will be able to

1. Describe what Motivational Interviewing is and why it’s used.

2. Explain how MI supports collaborative, person-centered conversations about change.

Motivational Interviewing begins with Engaging: developing a mutually respectful and trusting relationship with another person that allows you to work together. Helping people is a collaborative process; you need the other person's expertise as well as your own.

What makes a conversation welcoming? What can you do to foster a sense of trust and belonging? Sometimes these things are all you need in order to help someone.

Learning Outcomes

Learners who complete this module will be able to

1. Understand accurate empathy as a learnable communication skill.

2. Differentiate between the elements of O.A.R.S.: Open Questions, Affirmations, Reflections, and Summaries.

In Motivational Interviewing, Focusing is the process of developing and maintaining a clear direction in a conversation about change. After establishing connection and partnership, this step involves working together to decide what to talk about and in what direction the conversation is headed. Focusing helps ensure that the discussion stays purposeful and supports meaningful change rather than remaining broad or unfocused.

Learning Outcomes

Learners who complete this module will be able to

1. Explain the purpose of Focusing and its role in finding direction in the change conversation.

2. Differentiate among the three Focusing scenarios: straightforward goals, choosing a path, and clarifying.

3. Identify examples of focusing strategies such as agenda setting, summarizing, and shared goal-setting that align with MI principles.

Evoking is the core process in Motivational Interviewing (MI) that addresses the fundamental question, "Why would we go there?" by calling forth a person's existing motivation. Rather than trying to install a desire for change, the practitioner invites the person to articulate their own reasons, values, and resources. This module focuses on Evoking, the core Motivational Interviewing process that calls forth a person's existing motivations for change instead of attempting to establish them. The main objective is to find the "why" for change by helping the person sort through their mixed feelings or ambivalence and empowering them to commit to their own action.

Learning Outcomes

Learners who complete this module will be able to

1. Define evoking and explain its role in motivational interviewing.

2. Recognize and categorize the seven types of change talk.

3. Explain ambivalence in the change process and describe how decisional balance predicts the likelihood of change.

4. Formulate a directional reflective statement that selectively reinforces change talk.

5. Respond effectively to change talk using OARS skill.

6. Navigate ethical considerations in directional conversations.

Module 5 focuses on the planning process in Motivational Interviewing (MI), addressing the question, “How will change happen?” This module introduces how a practitioner and the individual they serve work together to identify next steps, strengthen commitment, and develop a clear, realistic plan for moving toward a chosen goal. By the end of this module, learners will understand how MI supports the transition from exploring motivation to creating a collaborative and actionable change plan

Learning Outcomes

Learners who complete this module will be able to

1. Explain how MI helps create a change plan.

2. Describe how practitioners and individuals collaborate to identify next steps.