Engaging Patients Through Motivational Interviewing Fundamentals and Micro Skills
Dates: August 18, 2026
Meets: Tu from 12 N to 3:15 PM
Location: Zoom Webinar
Zoom - No Charge: $0.00
There are still openings remaining at this time.
This introductory training explores the foundational principles and core skills of Motivational Interviewing (MI), a collaborative and person-centered approach to supporting behavior change. Designed for professionals across disciplines, this session emphasizes the spirit of MI-partnership, acceptance, compassion, and empowerment- and introduces practical tools such as OARS (Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflections, and Summaries).Participants will engage in experiential learning to build confidence in applying MI techniques, understand the stages of change, and recognize the importance of listening for and responding to change talk. This training offers a supportive space to deepen your skills and enhance client engagement.
Objectives:
- Describe the spirit of Motivational Interviewing and its connection to the Transtheoretical Model, emphasizing the importance of engagement and collaboration.
- Identify and apply the core MI skills-Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflections, and Summaries (OARS)- to foster meaningful conversations about change.
- Recognize and respond to change talk, including expressions of desire, ability, reasons, and need for change, to support client motivation.
- Distinguish between sustain talk and discord and implement strategies to maintain a collaborative relationship when challenges arise.
- Demonstrate MI techniques through practice activities, enhancing confidence in using MI to support client autonomy and readiness for change.
Notes:
This event is subject to priority registration. If you have a code, you may register yourself now. If you do not have a registration code, please add yourself to the waitlist. Any registration spots avilable after the priority registration period is over will be awarded on a first-come first-served basis for those on the waitlist.
Certificates for this event are distributed by Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation upon completion of a post-event quiz and evaluation.
If you have any questions about this event, please email learn@midsouth.ualr.edu.
| Fee: | $0.00 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 3.00 |
Zoom Webinar
Pam Pietruszewski
Pam Pietruszewski is a Senior Trainer Consultant for Prevention and Early Intervention Solutions within the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. She has more than 20 years' experience designing and implementing integrated health training programs. Her current work includes Teen Intervene, an evidence-based program for adolescents using the model of Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT), and delivering substance use prevention education directly to students in middle and high schools. She is on the faculty for the Social Media and Youth Mental Health Center of Excellence at the American Academy of Pediatrics and is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT). Pam has a Master's degree in Counseling and Psychological Services from St. Mary's University in Minnesota.
