Motivational Interviewing Applying the Evidenced Based Practice in Clinical Settings 

About the Course

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) designed to enhance intrinsic motivation for change through a collaborative, client-centered approach. This course will explore MI’s theoretical foundation in self-determination theory and its practical applications in therapy, case management, healthcare, substance use treatment, and housing services. Participants will learn to assess a client’s stage of change, recognize change talk, and apply MI techniques to facilitate client-informed decision-making. Research has demonstrated that MI strengthens the therapeutic alliance and improves youth outcomes by fostering autonomy and engagement (Moyers, 2019). Given its adaptability, MI has been widely adopted across California counties for diverse youth populations, including individuals facing behavioral health challenges, substance use disorders, and chronic illness.   It can be used In multiple clinical setting with different ages, ethnicities and backgrounds.  By the end of the course, participants will be able to apply MI strategies to support clients in making meaningful and sustainable life changes.

Objectives

· Participants will be able to name two general concepts of Motivational Interviewing as it relates to supporting the client find their own motivation for change.

· Describe 2 ways to apply Motivational Interviewing to their work with youth and families.

· When working with system-involved youth and families, training participants will be able to mitigate the chances of using the “righting reflex” that includes verbal and non-verbal.

· Describe 1-2 situations in which the righting reflex was not effective in their work.

About the Presenter

Megan Thomas is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has worked at Seneca for eight and a half years. She graduated with a Master’s in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Forensics. Currently, Megan serves as the Clinical Supervisor for the Differential Response Program for Santa Clara County and has also supported various programs, including Therapeutic Behavioral Services, Wraparound, Seven Challenges, and School-Based Wraparound. She has extensive experience working with youth and families, identifying and addressing risk behaviors and support needs. Her skills include Crisis Management, Safety Planning, and conducting assessments and risk screenings. For the past two years, Megan has been a Motivational Interviewing Trainer, using this model to coach and guide supervised staff. In this training, clinicians learn the theory and principles of Motivational Interviewing, including techniques such as the decisional balance chart, OARS method, and the elicit-provide-elicit approach.