Motivational Interviewing for Probation

Motivational interviewing is an interactive method for enhancing people’s motivation to change behavior. It has been the subject of more than 180 randomized controlled trials across disciplines and is considered a best evidence-based practice in many settings around the world in exploring a person’s uncertainty and helping them move toward lasting, positive change.

Topics include:

  • Explain the core components of motivational interviewing
  • Describe the Stages of Change theory, with an understanding that change is a process, not an event
  • Execute exercises to increase connection to youth and parents
  • Define and utilize three key strategies to avoid argumentation and bypass
  • Define the role of ambivalence that keeps people “stuck¨ in behavior patterns and how to influence this dynamic toward change
  • Demonstrate recognition of “change talk” and how to respond to summon even more of it from challenging youth and families
  • Define and practice planning and action
  • Demonstrate learning to roll with resistance
  • Demonstrate learning to move to a change plan
Course Code
500520