Introductory Motivational Interviewing for Helping Professionals

What is Motivational Interviewing?

Increasing attention is being paid to the benefits of an evidence-based, Motivational Interviewing (MI) communication style to enhance engagement and build motivation for change across a range of populations and practice areas such as: physical and mental health; substance use; child and family services; physical rehabilitation services; and education and prevention programming. MI is a respectful and compassionate way of supporting people in making changes in their lives and has also been found to be helpful when working cross-culturally.

Introductory Motivational Interviewing for Helping Professionals

In this in-person, two-day knowledge and skills-based training, learners will explore the foundations of Motivational Interviewing to support them in their work with others. Learners will practice skills and strategies to increase engagement and motivation, decrease discord, and initiate and guide change conversations across a range of topics. No previous experience in MI is necessary.

Dates & Times

Friday, September 22 & Saturday, September 23, 2023, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Location

UBC Robson Square

Room C420, 800 Robson Street

Vancouver, BC, V6Z 3B7

Who should attend?

Helping professionals who support others in making health and related changes, such as, social workers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, counsellors, speech language pathologists, dieticians, educators, dentists, nurses and physicians.

Learning Methods

Drawing on the research on how to learn MI, a variety of methods are used at an introductory level, including small and large group discussion, didactic presentation, reflective practice written exercises, real play/role play with a partner and small group practice activities.

Facilitator

Cristine Urquhart, MSW, RSW, co-founder of Change Talk Associates, has over 15 years of experience as an adult educator with helping professionals across practice areas and populations. Building on a decade of teaching a multi-level MI program with UBC Continuing Studies, Cristine is dedicated to continuing to support helping professionals to collaboratively and compassionately guide change. Drawing on her own experience of working within substance use and mental health systems, Cristine translates research to practice within the context of social determinants of health and trauma-informed practice. In addition to her extensive experience facilitating interprofessional groups, Cristine has contributed to knowledge translation and prevention initiatives with the Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health, BC Ministry of Health and the Public Health Agency of Canada. Cristine is a member of the international Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (Bulgaria, 2007) and a contributor to numerous MI resources and practice guides, including a chapter in the second edition of Motivational Interviewing in Social Work Practice (2021). Cristine was an instructor with both UBC Continuing Studies and the Justice Institute of BC for over 10 years. She lives in the West Kootenays of British Columbia, Canada with her family.

FAQs

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

For information, email info@changetalk.ca or call 604.716.6685.

Is there a group or student discount rate?

A 15% group discount is available when 3 or more individuals from the same organization register together. A 15% student discount is also available for those currently enrolled in a program.

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

If you are planning to drive, you can park in the Robson Square underground parkade. Enter from Howe Street on your right, just before Nelson Street and then follow the signs to UBC Robson Square. Weekday parking rates are $16/day until 6:00pm. Saturday parking is max $6/day. Prices are subject to change without notice. There is also limited metered parking nearby.

If you are planning to get to Robson Square by SkyTrain, the Burrard, Granville and Vancouver City Centre SkyTrain stations are located within walking distance from the campus. Buses stop near the campus on Burrard, Georgia, Robson, Howe and Seymour streets. The SeaBus from the North Shore docks is within walking distance, or you can catch the SkyTrain to Burrard Station from Waterfront.

What's the refund policy?

If you would like to withdraw from a course, please email a written notice to info@changetalk.ca at least 7 business days before the course begins to be eligible for a refund (less a $50 administration fee). No refund will be made for cancellations received later than 7 business days before the course begins. Exceptions will be considered in extreme circumstances, such as illness.

In the event of insufficient enrolment or other unforeseen circumstances, Change Talk Associates may be forced to cancel a course. If this occurs, a full refund is processed and sent to you automatically.

Is my registration fee or ticket transferrable?

Transferring from one course to another offering of the same course within 5 business days of the course start date is considered a withdrawal and a new registration. The $50 administration fee for withdrawals will be charged for the transfer or change. A transfer can be made one time.

 Continuing Education Credits

A letter of completion is provided at the end of the training. The letter includes: course title, description, objectives, number of education hours (12), and is signed by the instructor.