PRESENTS
Motivational Interviewing Certificate of Advanced Practice
The intensive certificate program for helping professionals who are ready to be more effective and efficient in supporting their clients' change process.
Benefits of MI
- Keep the burden of change off YOUR shoulders
- Work less hard, get better results
- Feel confident tackling difficult conversations & ‘difficult’ clients
- Become a more successful helping professional
- Feel more effective with your clients
- Improve client outcomes (evidence-based practice, y’all)
I'm Hillary Logan
founder of MI Center for Change.
We provide engaging, high-quality training in Motivational Interviewing.
Essentially, we help people get really, really good at Motivational Interviewing.
Through our comprehensive MI Academy Certificate of Advanced Practice in Motivational Interviewing (CAPMI), we are gonna get REAL about developing and advancing your skills in MI (and have FUN!!).
Experiential practice is essential to learning MI.
If you are learning a new language, or a new sport or instrument, it takes actual practice and experience to get better.
Attending an online video class on the topic doesn’t translate to speaking competently in that new language, or playing well on the football field!
In our MI Academy Certificate of Advanced Practice, you will complete 30+ hours of experiential LIVE practice in Motivational Interviewing and receive 1:1 coaching.
This means tons of live experiential practice with MI trainers.
You will have actual support for developing these new skills and not have to feel isolated learning on your own.
In addition to access to self-paced modules, you will be a part of a cohort of others who are advancing their skill practice through live virtual training, practice sessions and individualized feedback.
There is no one path to learning Motivational Interviewing.
The Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) believes that each person learns differently, and people achieve competency in Motivational Interviewing in different ways.
We have created a pathway to competency in MI that we believe meets most learners' needs.
Graduates of the MI Academy will receive a MI Certificate of Advanced Practice (MICAP), with added qualifications in Brief Action Planning (BAP) if desired.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
One year access to MI Academy
Our academy includes three program levels in addition to 1:1 MI coaching support.
Level 1:
Foundations of MI
12 hours (6 self-paced, 6 live virtual)
Value $347
Level 2: MI Intermediate Skills Lab
15 hours (3 self-paced, 12 live virtual)
Value $497
Level 3: MI Advanced Uplevel
12 hours (all live virtual)
Value $697
1:1 coaching with MINT member trainers
Four 45-minute 1:1 MI learning coaching sessions with MINT member trainers to help you set and meet learning goals throughout the program as well as review your individual coded feedback!
Value $997
Unlimited access to MI special topics course library
Additional 30+ hours of CE including MI and ethics, MI and Veterans and more!
Value $350
Interactive Learning Community
As a member of MI Academy, you can connect with others engaged in learning Motivational Interviewing to schedule your own practice sessions and support one another in your learning progress!
Value Priceless!
Individualized feedback on your MI practice sessions
Unlimited Access to highly developed artificial intelligence coding of your sessions via the HIPPA-compliant Lyssn platform
Value $897
Psychotherapy.net
Enjoy over 20 hours of both professional and diverse Motivational Interviewing demonstration videos with adults and adolescents.
Value $525
Brief Action Planning
This 8-hour course specifically targeting effective action plans is available to MI Academy members. This course is offered in collaboration with BAP Professional Network. CME available! More can be read here!
Value $197
PRICING OPTIONS
Choose your preferred payment option
PAYMENT PLAN
$225
12 MONTHLY PAYMENTS
1 year access to all of our online MI Academy workshops
1 year access to four 1:1 coaching sessions with MINT member trainers
30 hours live virtual MI training with MINT member trainers
6 hours self-paced modules via Foundations course
15+ hours additional self-paced specialty courses
MI Academy provides over 40 hours total Continuing Education hours through Level 1, 2, and 3 MI classes that are CE approved.
Access to 8 hours of training in Brief Action Planning (BAP), offered in collaboration with the BAP Professional Network and Enjoy over 20 hours of Psychotherapy.net videos
Nearly 50 hours of Continuing Education total!
1 year to complete all coursework within MI Academy to earn your Certificate of Advanced MI Practice
PAY IN FULL
additional $203 in savings!
$2,497
ONE TIME PAYMENT
1 year access to all of our online MI Academy workshops
1 year access to four 1:1 coaching sessions with MINT member trainers
30 hours live virtual MI training with MINT member trainers
6 hours self-paced modules via Foundations course
15+ hours additional self-paced specialty courses
MI Academy provides over 40 hours total Continuing Education hours through Level 1, 2, and 3 MI classes that are CE approved.
Access to 8 hours of training in Brief Action Planning (BAP), offered in collaboration with the BAP Professional Network and Enjoy over 20 hours of Psychotherapy.net videos
Nearly 50 hours of Continuing Education total!
1 year to complete all coursework within MI Academy to earn your Certificate of Advanced MI Practice
The investment is $2,497 per individual
We welcome groups (and provide group discounts for 4 or more). Please note that each individual must register separately.
Are you a member of the LGBTQIA+ and/or BIPOC community? Financially struggling student? We are committed to expanding equity in online education and want to encourage new perspectives and an inclusive learning space. We also Email us for scholarship or group discount registration information.
Want More Course Details?
Read below for more info on the three levels of classes through MI Academy.
LEVEL 1
Foundations of Motivational Interviewing (12 hours)
Develop foundational skills in Motivational Interviewing. This consists of 6 self-paced modules (6 hours), and 6 hours of MI live trainer facilitated skills practice sessions focused on the OARS skills delivered via four 1.5 hour Zoom meetings. Learn the spirit of MI, OARS skills, & 4 Tasks of MI.
Click here for a week-by-week breakdown
- Module 1: Spirit of MI. The absolute foundation of Motivational Interviewing is the spirit of MI. I like thinking of “spirit” as the attitude we bring to the helping relationship. In this module, we will explore the confounding complexities of behavior change, roadblocks to listening, stages of change & feel the difference between persuasion versus Motivational Interviewing.
- Module 2: Essential Components of MI. In this module, we go over the foundational components of MI: the Righting Reflex, Spirit, OARS skills, and the 4 Processes. OARS are the micro skills of MI, and stand for Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflections, and Summaries. We will also discuss 3 styles of communication, the history of Motivational Interviewing & the research base. The most important of the OARS skills, Reflective listening, begins in this module.
- Module 3: Engagement with OARS! In this session, we will talk about pitfalls and skills related to the first process of MI, Engagement. Time is spent covering simple versus complex reflections, and how to begin to guide conversation with reflections.
- Module 4: Rowing with OARS! OARS skill development continues! Even MORE reflection practice is covered as we explore 7 types of complex reflections. Then, we move into Affirmation skill discussion and practice, as we identify client strengths to increase self-efficacy. Reflections and Affirmations are “simple, but not easy” skills that are essential to the art of Motivational Interviewing. We cover the differences between Affirming and cheerleading and help set YOU up for increasing your affirmations with clients.
- Module 5: Focusing with OARS! We discuss Focusing, the second process of MI. We also go over Agenda Mapping, and utilizing Summaries to consolidate and guide conversation. See a MI demo in a brief encounter. In this module, we practice writing summaries while learning about the importance of Change Talk. What’s Change Talk anyhow? The acronym DARN-CAT is introduced, as we learn how to tune our ears to catch client Change Talk.
- Module 6: Evoking & Planning with OARS! OARS skills practice continues as we explore Open-ended questions, scaling questions, and strategic methods for evoking Change Talk. The third process of MI, Evoking, is explored as we learn to LISTEN for change talk, REFLECT change talk, and PULL FOR MORE. 10 Methods for evoking Change Talk are covered. We address methods for “rolling with resistance,” so you will gain confidence in tackling those ‘difficult’ client conversations. Learn the common pitfalls to the fourth process of MI, the Planning Process, and ways to create effective change plans with (not for!) your clients! Time is also spent providing overview of MI provider goals, and additional learning resources.
Values Bonus Resource: Understand the importance of values in MI, including developing discrepancy as one source of motivation for change.
In addition to the 6 modules of video content, handouts and practice exercises, participants have access to 6 hours of live virtual MI skills practice sessions with MINT trainers. During these sessions, more skills practice in OARS will be covered as well as Q&A. Participants have 12 weeks to complete the modules, and 12 weeks of access to the rotating 6-hours of live skills training.
Live Interactive MI Playground Agenda
MI Playground Zoom Session 1: Open Ended Questions! Let’s get curious! What we ask matters! Plus, scaling question exploration. We will also explore a MI vs. persuasion via professional demo.
0-15 minutes: Batting Practice Reflections
15-30 minutes: Open vs. Closed question activity
30-60 minutes: Open ended questions, scaling question practice
60-90 minutes: “My Father Also Hit Me” video demo with contrast, and debrief.
MI Playground Zoom Session 2: Affirmations! Let’s play with the differences between cheerleading and affirming as we practice sleuthing for underlying client strengths!
0-15 minutes: Batting Practice Reflections
15-30 minutes: Exploring affirmations v. cheerleading via activity
30-60 minutes: Affirmation activity with standard client scenarios
60-90 minutes: qualities of successful changers strength and affirmation practice
MI Playground Zoom Session 3: Reflections! Reflection practice via “You Mean That” activity. Then, we will complexify reflections via the “In the Moment” activity with client scenarios. View a master reflector in practice via professional demo.
0-15 minutes: Batting Practice Reflections
15-30 minutes: You Mean That reflection activity & debrief
30-60 minutes: Complex reflection practice
60-90 minutes: The Rounder MI video demo and reflection focus
MI Playground Zoom Session 4: Summaries! Sum it up! Practice listening for key elements (change talk!) to include in summaries. View professional demo as we practice identifying client change talk and play with summaries!
0-15 minutes: Batting Practice Reflections
15-30 minutes: Summaries and change talk identification practice
30-90 minutes: Silent Man MI demo and reflection practice activity
Level 1 Official Objectives
6 Hours of Modules
- Explain the theoretical basis, history, and research basis of MI
- Describe the four elements of the MI spirit: compassion, autonomy, empowerment, and collaboration
- List the three Styles of Communication and explain the applications of each
- Assess client readiness through the Stages of Change
- Apply methods for working with clients in the precontemplation stage of change
- Identify the Fixing Reflex & the 12 Roadblocks to communication
- Demonstrate seven types of complex reflections
- Apply guiding with reflections to client conversations
- Identify the differences between simple and complex affirmations
- Apply methods of affirmations with various client scenarios
- Describe and apply skills in each of the four tasks of MI: Engagement, Focusing, Evoking, and Planning
6 Hours of MI Playground Sessions
- Demonstrate MI core communication skills: Open Ended questions, Affirmations, Reflections, Summaries
- OARS: Explain the differences between Open and Close-ended questions
- OARS: Identify the differences between simple and complex reflections
- OARS: Explain the benefits of reflective responses over questions
- OARS: Analyze the differences between affirming and praise
- OARS: Create effective summaries that consolidate and guide client conversation
2025/2026 Calendar Dates
Check here for our upcoming MI OARS Playground dates!
LEVEL 2 :
MI Intermediate Skills Lab
(12 hours live + 3 hours self-paced ethics course)
This intermediate training is focused on improving MI skills through experiential practice. Each week, we take a deeper dive into the four processes of MI while practicing OARS skills. This training consists of four 3 hour live virtual Zoom meetings delivered over one month. This course also includes a 3-hour self-paced Ethics of MI course.
Click here for a week-by-week breakdown
-
Week 1: We will start with a super-fast review of MI, & watch some “MI in action.” Then, we will jump into OARS skills practice within the first process of MI, Engagement. We will explore the pitfalls of the Engagement process, as well as methods for effective, rapid (or swift) engagement.
-
Week 2: OARS skills practice continues! How do we consolidate and guide conversation using OARS around specific change goals? In this session, we will continue experiential practice in the second process of MI, Focusing. Again, we explore the pitfalls of this process, as well as focusing techniques with multiple target behaviors and agenda setting.
-
Week 3: Continued OARS experiential practice in the third process of MI, Evoking. We want to camp out and help people connect more deeply to their own personal change talk. We will practice listening for differences between change talk and sustain talk, and methods to elicit and reinforce change talk.
-
Week 4: So when a client FINALLY has enough fuel for change, it’s time to transition to the Planning process in MI. How do we create an effective change plan? We will continue to hone our OARS practice as we dial into the fourth process of MI, Planning. You’ll have a chance to both guide and be on the receiving end of creating a MI change plan in this session! You will learn how to identify client signs for change plan readiness, ways to develop effective change plans, and address planning issues that arise in MI consistent manner.
- This course also includes access to a 2-hour self-paced Ethics & MI training, where you will learn when to apply MI and when to choose other styles of communication. You will also learn ethical dilemmas present in each of the 4 processes of MI.
Level 2 Official Objectives
Session 1
- Demonstrate MI core communication skills (OARS)
- Develop MI skills and strategies specific to each of the four tasks of MI: Engagement, Focusing, Evoking, and Planning
- Engagement Task: Practice demonstrating effective empathy
- Engagement Task: Demonstrate engagement techniques with difficult-to-engage with clients
Session 2
- Focusing Task: Practice collaborative focusing techniques while supporting client autonomy
- Focusing Task: Demonstrate the use of agenda mapping and methods for focusing conversation with multiple target behaviors
- Focusing Task: Demonstrate agenda setting and bringing up difficult topics with clients
Session 3
- Evoking Task: Explain the difference between change talk and sustain talk
- Evoking Task: Describe ten methods to elicit and reinforce change talk
- Evoking Task: Demonstrate the applications of Ask-Offer-Ask to enhance collaboration and support autonomy
Session 4
- Planning Task: Identify client signs for change plan readiness
- Planning Task: Practice ways to develop effective change plans
- Planning Task: Apply Brief Action Planning questions to planning with clients
2025/2026 Calendar Dates
September Wednesday 12-3:15pm 9/3 - 9/24
October OFF
November Wenesday 10-1:15pm, 2:15-5:30pm 11/5-11/12
December OFF
January OFF
February dates coming soon
March OFF
April dates coming soon
May OFF
All times are in EST
LEVEL 3:
MI Advanced Uplevel (12 hours)
This training consists of four 3-hour live training Zoom meetings over the course of one month, as well as individualized feedback on YOUR MI practice sessions. In this 12-hour advanced course, we dig into what it really means to use MI to the level of fidelity.
What is MI Fidelity?
MI fidelity is the threshold of demonstrated skills required by providers in all of those amazing evidence-based practice research trials. In this course, we are going to look at MI through the lens of the Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity (MITI) coding system. This is not a course in how to code, but rather utilizing the coding system as a personal learning tool. Through this lens, you will learn ‘what is MI’ and ‘what is not,’ how to listen for the global elements used to code MI, as well as explore the provider behavior counts, with particular focus on Reflection to Question ratio. You'll learn what the MI-adherent and MI-non-adherent behaviors are (what we are striving toward, and what we're avoiding). We will listen to lots of good and not-so-good MI sessions to tune our ears to the complex elements of MI. And we will do lots of practice, because learning a new skill takes practice. Individual feedback is a strong component in this course.
In addition to receiving coaching and guidance during our group sessions, you will be provided with software to record your own sessions. Using artificial intelligence MI coding software, you can record and gain instant coded feedback on as many of your MI sessions as you'd like during the course.
BONUS! It's a HIPAA compliant platform for telehealth if you want to record sessions with clients, with their written consent, of course). Listening to your OWN sessions and receiving this coded feedback will give you real data about where you are on your journey toward MI fidelity.
Click here for a week-by-week breakdown
Week 1: We will briefly orient to the MI framework, OARS, 4 Processes & Change Talk. We will look at fidelity through one of the MI coding systems, the Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity (MITI). What does it really look like to be displaying the MITI global domains of Partnership & Empathy over the course of a MI conversation? (Yes, you can MEASURE empathy!). We will also listen to MI examples and explore ways we can reach fidelity with MI Partnership & Empathy. Then, we will complete an in-session Real Play that you will have the opportunity to record (only if you want!). Throughout this course, you can upload as many of your MI practice sessions as you’d like to the HIPPA-compliant Lyssn platform that provides MI coded feedback on your work. At the end of each session, you will set personal learning goals for your MI practice.
Week 2: MI is a guiding style of communication and there is a focus around which we are supporting the resolution of ambivalence. We will explore and practice ways to artfully guide the conversation toward change. This week we will explore the other two MITI global domains: Cultivating Change Talk & Softening Sustain Talk. Again, we will listen to MI examples and explore ways to reach fidelity in these areas. Another opportunity for real-time real play practice occurs with the focus this week on Evoking Change Talk skills.
Week 3: Through the MITI, we look at the interviewer behavioral counts that support MI fidelity. We will get really good at assessing R to Q ratio (Reflection to Question), while listening for those evocative Open-Ended Questions and practicing advanced change-oriented reflective listening. After all the good and not-so-good MI demos we have reviewed, it’s time to use our newfound lens to look at our own MI work. We will explore self-assessment as we continue to practice, practice, practice with one another. We encouraged continued individual practice & coded feedback! As Bill Miller said, if you are learning how to play the piano, you don’t just tell your piano teacher how you think you are doing, you play for them! This is your chance for individualized coaching feedback on your MI learning progress!
Week 4: Pulling it all together! We've explored MI fidelity through the MITI lens, looked at our own sessions and progress, and done lots of practice, practice practice! You know we will practice some more! Plus, we will enjoy watching perhaps the best MI Real Play ever recorded and discussing the art of MI in practice. There will be a chance to set MI learning & practice goals to take with you on the road, and practice affirming yourself and each other on the amazing work you’ve done!
Level 3 Official Objectives:
Session 1
- Demonstrate OARS skills within each of the four tasks of MI: Engagement, Focusing, Evoking, and Planning
- Identify the internal experiences and external expressions of the MI spirit element of compassion
- Identify MI fidelity utilizing MITI coding system behavior counts
- Apply MITI fidelity measures to recorded audio sessions
Session 2
- Identify the internal experiences and external expressions of the MI spirit element of acceptance
- Identify MI fidelity utilizing MITI (Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity) coding system global domains
- Measure partnership & empathy spirit elements of Motivational Interviewing utilizing the MITI system
- Demonstrate an empathetic & partnering approach across the four tasks of MI
Session 3
- Identify the internal experiences and external expressions of the MI spirit element of collaboration
- Explain three MI adherent and three non-MI adherent provider behaviors
- Demonstrate MI practice in giving feedback via Ask-Offer-Ask tool
Session 4
- Identify the internal experiences and external expressions of the MI spirit element of empowerment
- Measure interviewer methods via the MITI system for softening sustain talk and cultivating change talk
- Apply MI methods with sustain talk & change talk
- Discuss methods for cultivating the longevity of MI spirit in practice
2025/2026 Calendar Dates
October Wednesdays 12-3:15pm 10/1, 10/8, 10/15, (skip 10/22), 10/29
November OFF
December Fridays 10-1:15pm, 2:15-5:30pm 12/5, 12/12
January OFF
February OFF
March dates coming soon
April OFF
May dates coming soon
June OFF
All times are in EST
Want More Details?
Read below for more info on the three levels of classes through MI Academy.
LEVEL 1
Foundations of Motivational Interviewing (12 hours)
Develop foundational skills in Motivational Interviewing. This consists of 6 self-paced modules (6 hours), and 6 hours of MI live trainer facilitated skills practice sessions focused on the OARS skills delivered via four 1.5 hour Zoom meetings. Learn the spirit of MI, OARS skills, & 4 Processes of MI.
Click here for a week-by-week breakdown of the course
- Module 1: Spirit of MI. The absolute foundation of Motivational Interviewing is the spirit of Motivational Interviewing. I like thinking of “spirit” as the attitude we bring to the helping relationship. In this module, we will explore the confounding complexities of behavior change, roadblocks to listening, stages of change & feel the difference between persuasion versus Motivational Interviewing.
- Module 2: Essential Components of MI. In this module, we go over the foundational components of MI: the Righting Reflex, Spirit, OARS skills, and the 4 Processes. OARS are the micro skills of MI, and stand for Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflections, and Summaries. We will also discuss 3 styles of communication, the history of Motivational Interviewing & the research base. The most important of the OARS skills, Reflective listening, begins in this module.
- Module 3: Engagement with OARS! In this session, we will talk about pitfalls and tops related to the first process of MI, Engagement. Time is spent covering simple versus complex reflections, and how to begin to guide conversation with reflections.
- Module 4: Rowing with OARS! OARS skill development continues! Even MORE reflection practice is covered as we explore 7 types of complex reflections. Then, we move into Affirmation skill discussion and practice, as we identify client strengths to increase self-efficacy. Reflections and Affirmations are “simple, but not easy” skills that are essential to the art of Motivational Interviewing. We cover the differences between Affirming and cheerleading and help set YOU up for increasing your affirmations with clients.
- Module 5: Focusing with OARS! We discuss the second process of MI, Focusing, Agenda Mapping, and utilizing Summaries to consolidate and guide conversation. See a MI demo in a brief encounter. In this module, we practice writing summaries while learning about the importance of Change Talk. What’s Change Talk anyhow? The acronym DARN-CAT is introduced, as we learn how to tune our ears to catch client Change Talk.
- Module 6: Evoking & Planning with OARS! OARS skills practice continues as we explore Open-ended questions, scaling questions, and strategic methods for evoking Change Talk. The third process of MI, Evoking, is explored as we learn to LISTEN for change talk, REFLECT change talk, and PULL FOR MORE. 10 Methods for evoking Change Talk are covered. We address methods for “rolling with resistance,” so you will gain confidence in tackling those ‘difficult’ client conversations. Learn the common pitfalls to the fourth process of MI, the Planning Process, and ways to create effective change plans with (not for!) your clients! Time is also spent providing overview of MI provider goals, and additional learning resources.
Values Bonus Resource: Understand the importance of values in MI, including developing discrepancy as one source of motivation for change.
In addition to the 6 modules of video content, handouts and practice exercises, participants have access to 6 hours of live virtual MI skills practice sessions with MINT trainers. During these sessions, more skills practice in OARS will be covered as well as Q&A. Participants have 12 weeks to complete the modules, and 12 weeks of access to the rotating 6-hours of live skills training.
Level 1 Official Objectives
- Explain the theoretical basis, history, and research basis of MI
- Describe the four elements of the MI spirit: compassion, autonomy, empowerment, and collaboration
- List the three Styles of Communication and explain the applications of each
- Assess client readiness through the Stages of Change
- Apply methods for working with clients in the precontemplation stage of change
Identify the Fixing Reflex & the 12 Roadblocks to communication - Demonstrate seven types of complex reflections
- Apply guiding with reflections to client conversations
- Identify the differences between simple and complex affirmations
- Apply methods of affirmations with various client scenarios
- Describe and apply skills in each of the four tasks of MI: Engagement, Focusing, Evoking, and Planning
- Demonstrate MI core communication skills: Open Ended questions, Affirmations, Reflections, Summaries
- OARS: Explain the differences between Open and Close-ended questions
- OARS: Identify the differences between simple and complex reflections
- OARS: Explain the benefits of reflective responses over questions
- OARS: Analyze the differences between affirming and praise
-
OARS: Create effective summaries that consolidate and guide client conversation
LEVEL 2
Skills Lab (12 hours)
This intermediate training is focused on improving MI skills through experiential practice. Each week, we take a deeper dive into the four processes of MI while practicing OARS skills. This training consists of four 2.5 hour live virtual Zoom meetings delivered over one month. Make sure the dates and times work for your schedule! (link to this or have it be a click info thing). This course also includes a 3-hour self-paced Ethics of MI course.
Click here for a week-by-week breakdown
-
Week 1: We will start with a super-fast review of MI, & watch some “MI in action.” Then, we will jump into OARS skills practice within the first process of MI, Engagement. We will explore the pitfalls of the Engagement process, as well as methods for effective, rapid (or swift) engagement.
-
Week 2: OARS skills practice continues! How do we consolidate and guide conversation using OARS around specific change goals? In this session, we will continue experiential practice in the second process of MI, Focusing. Again, we explore the pitfalls of this process, as well as focusing techniques with multiple target behaviors and agenda setting.
-
Week 3: Continued OARS experiential practice in the third process of MI, Evoking. We want to camp out and help people connect more deeply to their own personal change talk. We will practice listening for differences between change talk and sustain talk, and methods to elicit and reinforce change talk.
-
Week 4: So when a client FINALLY has enough fuel for change, it’s time to transition to the Planning process in MI. How do we create an effective change plan? We will continue to hone our OARS practice as we dial into the fourth process of MI, Planning. You’ll have a chance to both guide and be on the receiving end of creating a MI change plan in this session! You will learn how to identify client signs for change plan readiness, ways to develop effective change plans, and address planning issues that arise in MI consistent manner.
- This course also includes access to a 3-hour self-paced Ethics & MI training, where you will learn when to apply MI and when to choose other styles of communication. You will also learn ethical dilemmas present in each of the 4 processes of MI.
Level 2 Official Objectives
Session 1
- Demonstrate MI core communication skills (OARS)
- Develop MI skills and strategies specific to each of the four tasks of MI: Engagement, Focusing, Evoking, and Planning
- Engagement Task: Practice demonstrating effective empathy
- Engagement Task: Demonstrate engagement techniques with difficult-to-engage with clients
Session 2
- Focusing Task: Practice collaborative focusing techniques while supporting client autonomy
- Focusing Task: Demonstrate the use of agenda mapping and methods for focusing conversation with multiple target behaviors
- Focusing Task: Demonstrate agenda setting and bringing up difficult topics with clients
Session 3
- Evoking Task: Explain the difference between change talk and sustain talk
- Evoking Task: Describe ten methods to elicit and reinforce change talk
- Evoking Task: Demonstrate the applications of Ask-Offer-Ask to enhance collaboration and support autonomy
Session 4
- Planning Task: Identify client signs for change plan readiness
- Planning Task: Practice ways to develop effective change plans
- Planning Task: Apply Brief Action Planning questions to planning with clients
LEVEL 3
Uplevel Advanced MI (12 hours)
This training consists of four 3-hour live training Zoom meetings over the course of one month, as well as individualized feedback on YOUR MI practice sessions. Make sure the dates and times work for your schedule! (link to this or have it be a click info thing) . In this 12-hour advanced course, we dig into what it really means to use MI to the level of fidelity.
What is MI Fidelity?
MI fidelity is the threshold of demonstrated skills required by providers in all of those amazing evidence-based practice research trials. In this course, we are going to look at MI through the lens of the Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity (MITI) coding system. This is not a course in how to code, but rather utilizing the coding system as a personal learning tool. Through this lens, you will learn ‘what is MI’ and ‘what is not,’ how to listen for the global elements used to code MI, as well as explore the provider behavior counts, with particular focus on Reflection to Question ratio. You'll learn what the MI-adherent and MI-non-adherent behaviors are (what we are striving toward, and what we're avoiding). We will listen to lots of good and not-so-good MI sessions to tune our ears to the complex elements of MI. And we will do lots of practice, because learning a new skill takes practice. Individual feedback is a strong component in this course.
In addition to receiving coaching and guidance during our group sessions, you will be provided with software to record your own sessions. Using artificial intelligence MI coding software, you can record and gain instant coded feedback on as many of your MI sessions as you'd like during the course.
BONUS! It's a HIPAA compliant platform for telehealth if you want to record sessions with clients, with their written consent, of course). Listening to your OWN sessions and receiving this coded feedback will give you real data about where you are on your journey toward MI fidelity.
Click here for a week-by-week breakdown
Week 1: We will briefly orient to the MI framework, OARS, 4 Processes & Change Talk. We will look at fidelity through one of the MI coding systems, the Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity (MITI). What does it really look like to be displaying the MITI global domains of Partnership & Empathy over the course of a MI conversation? (Yes, you can MEASURE empathy!). We will also listen to MI examples and explore ways we can reach fidelity with MI Partnership & Empathy. Then, we will complete an in-session Real Play that you will have the opportunity to record (only if you want!). Throughout this course, you can upload as many of your MI practice sessions as you’d like to the HIPPA-compliant Lyssn platform that provides MI coded feedback on your work. At the end of each session, you will set personal learning goals for your MI practice.
Week 2: MI is a guiding style of communication and there is a focus around which we are supporting the resolution of ambivalence. We will explore and practice ways to artfully guide the conversation toward change. This week we will explore the other two MITI global domains: Cultivating Change Talk & Softening Sustain Talk. Again, we will listen to MI examples and explore ways to reach fidelity in these areas. Another opportunity for real-time real play practice occurs with the focus this week on Evoking Change Talk skills.
Week 3: Through the MITI, we look at the interviewer behavioral counts that support MI fidelity. We will get really good at assessing R to Q ratio (Reflection to Question), while listening for those evocative Open-Ended Questions and practicing advanced change-oriented reflective listening. After all the good and not-so-good MI demos we have reviewed, it’s time to use our newfound lens to look at our own MI work. We will explore self-assessment as we continue to practice, practice, practice with one another. And, your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to turn in a sample of your MI conversation for individualized MITI coded feedback from MINT member trainers Hillary Bolter or Chris de Beer. This is in addition to the Lyssn coded sessions! As Bill Miller said, if you are learning how to play the piano, you don’t just tell your piano teacher how you think you are doing, you play for them! This is your chance for individualized coaching feedback on your MI learning progress!
Week 4: Pulling it all together! We've explored MI fidelity through the MITI lens, looked at our own sessions and progress, and done lots of practice, practice practice! You know we will practice some more! Plus, we will enjoy watching perhaps the best MI Real Play ever recorded and discuss the art of MI in practice. There will be a chance to set MI learning & practice goals to take with you on the road, and practice affirming yourself and each other on the amazing work you’ve done!
Level 3 Official Objectives:
Session 1
- Demonstrate OARS skills within each of the four tasks of MI: Engagement, Focusing, Evoking, and Planning
- Identify the internal experiences and external expressions of the MI spirit element of compassion
- Identify MI fidelity utilizing MITI coding system behavior counts
- Apply MITI fidelity measures to recorded audio sessions
Session 2
- Identify the internal experiences and external expressions of the MI spirit element of acceptance
- Identify MI fidelity utilizing MITI (Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity) coding system global domains
- Measure partnership & empathy spirit elements of Motivational Interviewing utilizing the MITI system
- Demonstrate an empathetic & partnering approach across the four tasks of MI
Session 3
- Identify the internal experiences and external expressions of the MI spirit element of collaboration
- Explain three MI adherent and three non-MI adherent provider behaviors
- Demonstrate MI practice in giving feedback via Ask-Offer-Ask tool
Session 4
- Identify the internal experiences and external expressions of the MI spirit element of empowerment
- Measure interviewer methods via the MITI system for softening sustain talk and cultivating change talk
- Apply MI methods with sustain talk & change talk
- Discuss methods for cultivating the longevity of MI spirit in practice
What is Psychotherapy.net
Participants in MI Academy often ask for the chance to see MI demos!
I searched around for good MI demonstrations that are both professional and diverse, and came up with a partnership with Psychotherapy.net to offer you over 20 hours of their video content, including a BUNCH of MI demos.
- MI Step-by-Step
- MI with Adolescents
- BONUS video: Interview with William Miller
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Will I be certified in Motivational Interviewing?
There is no “MI certification” process at this point in time. The MINT aims to foster high quality training through the trainer community. There is no such thing as an officially certified MI therapist or provider. At MI Center for Change, we are providing a certificate program that assures you have completed beginning, intermediate and advanced training in MI, as well as meet the threshold for competency utilizing the MISC & MITI coding instruments on your individual MI practice sessions. When you complete the required components of MI Academy Certificate of Advanced Practice program (beginning through advanced courses + four 1:1 coaching sessions), you will receive a Certificate of Advanced MI Practice.
50 Hours of Continuing Education? Really?!
Yes! But you have to actually attend the live workshops to receive live CE, and have passing quiz scores on self-paced elements.
Check out our full list of Continuing Education here.
What if I took MI classes from other trainers? Can I transfer those hours in?
We will transfer up to 12 hours or the equivalent of an introductory course to apply toward our certificate program. The course must be provided by a member of the MINT. You must provide a certificate of completion from that course. Plus, you will still have access to our Level 1 Foundations of MI course if you’d like a review! If you are already an intermediate or advanced MI learner, email us about pricing for entering at the intermediate or advanced level.
Does this mean I get added to a list or database of MI Practitioners?
A national or international database of MI certified practitioners doesn’t exist! We WILL add you to our database of those who have completed the Certificate of Advanced MI Practice. Once you have graduated from MI CAP, you have full bragging rights that you have completed your Certificate of Advanced Practice including 36 hours of the three levels of MI training, additional specialty MI courses including Brief Action Planning (BAP), and received coded feedback on your sessions demonstrating competency.
Info on the MINT & Becoming a Trainer
Agencies are often seeking to develop internal trainers in Motivational Interviewing. MI CAP is an excellent way to support your staff trainer development by first growing their MI skills understanding and practice. Many MI CAP members have joined the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers following their MI CAP completion. You can read more about the MINT at www.motivationalinterviewing.org, or we have a section on this in our free MI Resource Library.
Can I complete the program faster than 1 year?
Absolutely! We capped program access to 1 year to support you in completing the program! Deadlines are helpful! This course can be completed in 6 months or less if you are disciplined and focused in your approach. We get it that things come up and can get in the way of our well-laid plans though, so providing a year to complete the program will give you ample time to meet your learning goals! Please view our Terms and conditions page for additional questions about receiving your certificate
Where will I find my receipt of payment?
Your receipt is sent to the email address that you used to register for the course.
Why do I need to check my spam folder for event notifications?
MI Center for Change email notifications are sent from our event management system to the email address you used to register for an event. Certain email providers have very sensitive spam filters, your MI Center for Change event notifications may therefore land in your spam folder. While we do our utmost to make sure that you receive all notifications, we advise you to check your spam folder before contacting us, if you notice that you have not received an anticipated email notification about an upcoming event that you have registered for.
Who do I contact with any queries about this course?
Please email admin@micenterforchange.com with any queries you may have about this course. There may be a delay in responding to your query if it is sent to any other email address.
Terms and Conditions
Please take the time to read the Terms and Conditions for attending MI Center for Change events. You may view them here.
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