Join us for this experiential day of exploring the applications of Motivational Interviewing in groups. This workshop will be facilitated by MINT members and psychologists Dr. Karen Ingersoll and Dr. Chris Wagner, co-authors of the book Motivational Interviewing in Groups. This MI in Groups training day is largely practice based, and registration will be capped.
This workshop focuses on MI groups, emphasizing group processes that foster engagement, empowerment, and lasting change. We will focus on three core elements of MI groups: connection, direction, and momentum.
Connection is the heart of group MI. Members develop deep bonds with fellow members on the change pathway. Connection also involves internal processes - reconnecting with inner values, identity, and sense of purpose. Developing deeper connections between and within itself can be healing, as well as foster greater motivation to change.
Having a clear sense of direction fosters successful change. Group members may share specific goals like abstinence or medication adherence. Alternatively, the group may have a broader focus like wellness, while members pursue specific changes related to their own individual goals. Skillfully balancing individual and group direction helps members deepen and prepare together for focused change.
Change talk spreads throughout the group, igniting group change. Group momentum and individual change fuel each other. As members try new things, others feel more empowered to take chances themselves, and mutual support fuels change both inside and outside the group sessions. Ending well allows members to internalize that energy to continue their journey in their daily lives, developing processes to support ongoing change and growth.
Dr. Ingersoll and Dr. Wagner are in the process of updating their MI & Groups book. This course will be recorded, and the group breakout sessions will be utilized for book research purposes. All participant information will be anonymized if utilized in the book.
