Neurobiology of Motivational Interviewing

Special Topics in MI Series Presents

Wired for Change: The Neurobiology of Motivational Interviewing

This 90-minute webinar explores the physiology and neurobiology of Motivational Interviewing, shedding light on the profound ways conversations can influence both the brain and the body. Drawing from current neuroscience, participants will examine how MI-consistent conversations may engage neural networks involved in self-reflection, motivation, reward, and hope.

Participants will also explore the emerging science of interpersonal neurobiology, examining how two people physiologically influence one another. In an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, this workshop will make the case for why human connection remains essential to behavior change. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how the therapeutic environment influences the biological and psychological processes that support change, even before we see it externally.

Who Can Register?

This course is for therapists and helping professionals at the beginner through advanced level.

After participating in this activity, learners will be able to:

Explain how MI conversations may influence both the brain and the body.
Describe how self-persuasive change talk influences neurobiology.
Identify how therapeutic presence creates conditions that support change.

View course syllabus

Join us on September 4, 2026 from

12:00-1:30pm ET

(11am CT/10am MT/9am PT/ 2pUTC) .

REGISTER HERE

Registration ends September 4 at 10:59am ET!

Please review our FAQs before registering.

100% Privacy. We Will Never Spam You

Speaker Bio:

Sarah Niecko, DHSc NBC-HWC

Dr. Sarah Niecko is an Assistant Professor of Behavioral Health Sciences at the University of Alaska Southeast. She holds advanced degrees in medicine and health sciences, is a nationally board-certified health and wellness coach, and a member of MINT (Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers). Prior to teaching, she spent 17 years practicing behavioral and lifestyle medicine, two of which were spent in rural Alaska.

Continuing Education

MI Center for Change has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7223. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. MI Center for Change is solely responsible for all aspects of the program

MI Center for Change is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. MI Center for Change maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

MI Center for Change maintains responsibility for this program and its content. MI Center for Change #1911, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval periods (8/20/25-8/20/28).

All trainers at MI Center for Change are members of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers. Click on the logo to check out the MINT website for more info on the MINT!

Regarding other licensures and certifications, you will be provided with a certificate of completion at course completion, with total course hours, objectives, and trainer bio for submission to your licensure board.

Frequently asked questions

Course Objectives

Course Syllabus

Explain how MI conversations may influence both the brain and the body.
Describe how self-persuasive change talk influences neurobiology.
Identify how therapeutic presence creates conditions that support change.

What Continuing Education is available?

For CE, you must attend the full live learning session.
We do not provide CE certificate for partial attendance.
Following learning session and completion of End of Course evaluation, participants will receive an email with their downloadable CE certificate with 48 business hours. Participants looking to receive NBHWC CE must complete a quiz before completing the end of course evaluation.

Does your board not accept CE from any of our continuing education providers? Upon workshop completion, you will receive a certificate of 1.5 hours of CE, and you may turn in the trainer bio and workshop objects to your board along with your certificate of completion. Check with your CE board, as we do not guarantee acceptance. MI Center for Change maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Please email admin@micenterforchange.com if you have any questions or concerns.

Will I be receiving a recording of the event?

Yes, an email will be sent to everyone who registers whether you are able to attend the live event or not. Recording access is available for 30 days following the event. We do not provide CE for watching the free recording access. Please allow 48 business hours after the event to receive an email. This email will contain a recording and any other references mentioned in the event. After 30 days of recording access, this course will be added to our special topics asynchronous library for purchase.

System Requirements, Terms and Conditions

Please take the time to read the System Requirements and Terms and Conditions for attending MI Center for Change events. You may view them here.

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.

1.5 Hour Workshop

Wired for Change: The Neurobiology of Motivational Interviewing

Join us on September 4, 2026 from 12:00-1:30pm ET

(11am CT/10am MT/9am PT/ 2pUTC)

REGISTER NOW

Please review our FAQs before registering.

100% Privacy. We Will Never Spam You!