Motivational Interviewing Therapy

Level 3: MI Advanced Uplevel

Hillary-Bolter-Consulting-Motivational-Interview

In this 4-week (12 hour) live series, we dive into fidelity through the Motivational Interviewing
Treatment Integrity (MITI), group practice, and individual feedback.

That’s what this advanced MI course is all about: Fidelity through practice!

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's 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 towards, and what we're
avoiding). This course is for an intermediate to advanced MI learner / helping professional.

Course Breakdown

Is This Course Right For Me?

We recommend all participants have completed a quality MI introductory workshop (@12 hours) with a MINT-member trainer within the last few years, and/OR an intermediate course, OR had some kind of recent refresher via training, book study, or other practice recently. We will hit the ground running!

This is 100% a live interactive course.
Describe and practice skills in each of the 4 tasks of MI: Engagement, Focusing, Evoking, and Planning
Introduction of MITI coding system to understand MI fidelity: “what is MI and what is not,” global domains & behavior counts
Consistently utilize an empathetic & partnering approach across the Four Tasks of MI
Increase your proficiency softening sustain talk & cultivating change talk
Strengthen your MI practice based on individualized coaching & coded feedback

Course 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
Demonstrate 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
Demonstrate MI methods with sustain talk & change talk
Explain methods for cultivating the longevity of MI spirit in practice

Course Syllabus

View course syllabus here

Session 1

This week we will briefly orient to the MI framework, OARS, 4 Tasks & Change Talk. As this course is all about exploring and practicing MI fidelity, and we will look at fidelity through one of the MI coding systems, the Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity (MITI). Coding may sound nerdy but it offers a really neat lens to look through as we refine our MI skills! (And I love to nerd out with some MI!) This session, we will review the overall MI provider goals, what MI consistent behaviors are, as well as MI inconsistent provider behaviors! 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.
Session 2

More OARS practice! 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 an MI example and explore ways we can reach fidelity with MI Partnership & Empathy. And, you bet there will be more practice opportunities! We will work in small groups practicing MI skills, observing, and giving & receiving feedback. You continue to have the opportunity to record and get individual feedback on your MI practice sessions.
Session 3

So we’ve got the spirit of MI grooving with partnership & empathy, but let’s not forget that MI is a guiding style of communication. This means we have a focal topic of the MI conversation where we will hear sustain talk and change talk, both sides of client ambivalence. So this week, we layer over the other two key MITI global domains, Cultivating Change Talk & Softening Sustain Talk to explore ways to artfully guide the conversation toward change. Again, we will listen to a MI example and explore ways to reach fidelity in these areas! Plus, have a chance for real time practice of Evoking Change Talk skills.
Session 4

Wait, there’s more to MI fidelity? Yep! Provider behavior counts. Wait, what? My behavior counts, or are you counting my behavior? Both! We will get really good at assessing R to Q ratio (Reflection to Question), while listening for Open Ended Questions and practicing advanced change-oriented reflective listening. More Real Play practice! 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! Woohoo!

Course Schedule 2026

This course runs through four 3-hour sessions (morning and afternoon over two days, or a series of four half-days over four weeks).

March 2026: Wednesdays from 12:00-3:15pET on 3/11, 3/18, 3/25 & 4/8

May 2026: Wednesdays from 10:00aET-1:15pET & 2:15p-5:30ET on 5/20 & 5/27

Select your preferred cohort from the calendar to register

Pricing

$697 (Regular Pricing)
$597 (Early Bird Pricing)

Early bird pricing available for select cohorts

Please review our FAQs before registering.

How it works

Choose your preferred cohort
Select the "Next" button
Fill out your Billing Details and your card details to complete payment.
Submit payment to complete your registration
Check your email inbox for your receipt and confirmation email.
You'll receive email reminders 24hrs and 1hr before the scheduled live sessions.

100% Privacy. We Will Never Spam You

If you are in need of a scholarship, you are welcome to reach out to us to see what is available. If you are signing up a group from an agency of 4 or more, you are eligible for group discount. Email us for information on group pricing and we can assist in your registration process.

We are committed to expanding equity in online education and want to encourage new perspectives and an inclusive learning space. We have scholarships available. Contact us for information on scholarships. Please reach out to us as we have specific course scholarships for you.

Is This Course Right For Me?

Are you ready to sign up for an advanced course in MI?
We recommend all participants have completed a quality MI introductory workshop (@12 hours) within the last few years, AND/OR an intermediate course, OR had some kind of recent refresher via training, book study, or other practice recently. We will hit the ground running in this advanced course!
If you don’t meet the criteria for advanced level training, and feel you have a solid understanding and practice in MI, you are welcome to email us so that we can make sure this course is the right fit for you!
You are also welcome to check out our "Course Picker" page for more information comparing/contrasting the three levels of MI courses we provide.

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

Certain courses have been approved by MI Center for Change, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. Each course states if it has NAADAC approval. NAADAC Provider #222168, MI Center for Change is responsible for all aspects of the programming.

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).

MI Center for Change has been approved by the National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coaches (NBHWC) to provide continuing education for National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coaches. Courses approved will be stated on the course syllabus.

MI Center for Change has been approved by the Continuing Coach Education (CCE) to provide continuing education for the International Coaching Federation. Courses approved will be stated on the course syllabus. Check out all of our ICF approved courses here.

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!

Check with your licensure board if they accept CE from these approved providers. We cannot guarantee CE provision for every licensure board. Please do not email us to ask if your licensure board will accept our CE. If you have questions about whether your board will accept these CE, you may submit the Course Syllabus to your licensure board to inquire. There is a Course Syllabus for each course posted on the web page of each course.

Learn more about our CE Approvals

Frequently asked questions

Get your questions answered here!

Do I have to do the recording part?

Nope! It's 'challenge by choice.' Typically, more than half of participants in these courses take advantage of this feature. If you are at this stage of the process of learning MI, it may be time at the very least to listen to your own sessions through the lens of MI fidelity. You don't have to share them with us! Getting trainer feedback is an excellent way to grow! Would you take piano lessons and not play for your teacher? Just a thought!

Do I need to be a therapist to take this course?

Heck no! Any helping professional who has been studying and practicing MI is welcome to attend.

How often is this course offered?

Typically, we offer this course three times a year. There are other advanced courses in MI. Just check the MINT website (logo below) for a full listing!

Course 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
Demonstrate 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
Demonstrate MI methods with sustain talk & change talk
Explain methods for cultivating the longevity of MI spirit in practice

Course Syllabus

What are the requirements to register your interest for this course?

If you are registering for this course:

It is the applicant's responsibility to review the course objectives
You must commit to attending all training dates
You must observe the cancelation policy

Certificate FAQ

I never received my certificate!
Did you complete one of our online or in-person trainings and submit the end-of-course evaluation?

If not: Be sure to check your spam or junk folder for any missed emails. We typically send follow-up emails within 48 business hours. Once your evaluation is submitted, your certificate will be issued. If you are unable to find any of our previous post-training emails, please email admin@micenterforchange.com
If yes, please complete this form, and we’ll be happy to issue your certificate.

I need another copy of my certificate!
To request an additional copy of your certificate, please complete this form. Note that a small processing fee applies for re-issuance.

What is the cancellation policy for this course?

Please refer to our Terms and Conditions of use for our refund and cancellation policy.

What if there is a group at my agency that wants to take the training together?

Awesome! That’s a great way to take the course! Email us to ask about small group discounts. If you have a larger group, email us to explore a customized group intermediate training!

Continuing Education Credits

For CE, you must complete the 12 hours of interactive synchronous zoom sessions (all four sessions).
We do not provide CE certificate for partial course completion.
Following course completion, completion of quiz, and completion of End of Course evaluation, participants will receive an email with their downloadable CE certificate within 48 business hours.
Check out our complete List of CE Approvals here. MI Center for Change maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Does your board not accept CE from any of our continuing education providers? Upon workshop completion, you will receive a certificate of 12 hours of CE, and we will provide trainer bio and workshop objects to turn in to your board along with your certificate of completion.
View our Syllabus here.
Check with your licensure board if they accept CE from these approved providers. We cannot guarantee CE provision for every licensure board. Please do not email us to ask if your licensure board will accept our CE. If you have questions about whether your board will accept these CE, you may submit the Course Syllabus to your licensure board to inquire. There is a Course Syllabus for each course posted on the web page of each course.
Please email admin@micenterforchange.com if you have any questions or concerns.

We are Committed

We strive to create a safe learning environment where all people regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, race or religion are accepted and respected.
We are committed to expanding equity in online education and want to encourage new perspectives and an inclusive learning space. Are you a member of the LGBTQIA+ and/or BIPOC community? Are you a person with disabilities? Are you currently a student? Please reach out to us and let us know your budget, as we have specific course scholarships for you.

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.