Introduction to Motivational Interviewing: How to Approach Ambivalence and Talk About Change

7 CE Credit Hours

Course Overview

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a client-centered, transdiagnostic treatment approach that helps individuals who are ambivalent about change. Moreover, it is a defined set of communication skills that fosters a partnership between the provider and the client in a manner that conveys empathy and understanding. In turn, this helps providers quickly build rapport with clients. MI is distinct in its focus on language, specifically addressing how responses to clients can help draw out their own motivations for change. MI can be used independently or woven within other treatment modalities.

For the last several years, MI has been among the most researched treatment approaches. It has demonstrated effectiveness across a broad range of patient concerns, demographic factors, and populations. In this introductory workshop, participants will learn the foundations of MI as well as practice MI skills to help enhance the client-provider relationship. Specifically, the MI spirit, OARS, change talk and sustain talk will be taught and ‘real’ played.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will be familiar with the foundations of Motivational Interviewing
• Participants will have a way to reconceptualize ambivalence
• Participants will be familiar with the MI Spirit, OARS, and Change Talk and Sustain Talk and understand how this relates to fostering partnership and creating change
• Participants will practice the different components of MI in the workshop

Presenter: Denise Lash, PhD

Denise Lash, PhD is a clinical psychologist and member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Training (MINT). She completed her bachelor’s degree at Loyola University Chicago and her doctorate at the University of New Mexico, where she learned Motivational Interviewing from Dr. Bill Miller. Dr. Lash has a passion for teaching MI. With respect to therapy, Dr. Lash uses CBT and ACT along with MI and has worked in outpatient settings. She currently works in primary care clinics at Intermountain Health, where she is also the Co-Director of Behavioral Health. When not working, Denise enjoys reading, spending time with her family, travel, cooking, and eating.

Registration Fees:

	UPA Members	Non-Members
Early bird registration through April 18, 2025	$175	$250
After early bird registration	$225	$300

UPA Student/Resident Members	Non-Member Students /Residents
No Charge	$15

Register online at: UPA Home Page   OR Call Teresa Bruce at 801-410-0337