Establishing a Foundation for Motivational Interviewing Skills
A page within Motivational Interviewing
Build your Motivational Interviewing foundational skills!
10 a.m.–Noon each day: All times are shown in Central Time (CT).
This highly interactive introduction to Motivational Interviewing (MI) provides the 'what' and 'why' behind this highly sought, evidence-based skill for helping people change and grow. In this short course, you will also:
- Build a solid foundation for understanding the 'how' of MI
- Practice the fundamentals of MI
- Create a plan to continue your MI skills development
Overview
Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to:
- Differentiate between directing, following, and guiding approaches and describe why a guiding approach is most effective for those struggling with issues of personal change and growth.
- Explain the spirit of MI and the roles of change talk and intentional active listening skills as key concepts in MI conversations.
- Apply MI skills through practice and self-assessment.
How you learn MI
MI is learned over time, with ongoing instruction, practice and feedback. As such, this session is strongly recommended as a precursor to the Building MI Competency Certificate and/or MI Advancing Skills course also offered by UW–Madison Division of Continuing Studies. If you already have some MI knowledge and skills, consider participating in the Building MI Competency Certificate. If you have intermediate or advanced MI skills, check out our MI Advancing Skills course. Not sure which course is right for you? Check out our MI information page.
Registration Fee: $179
Registration includes to live-online sessons and access to Canvas, an online learning management system.
University of Wisconsin-Madison Continuing Studies:
- Is the course provider.
- Will process your registration.
Cancellation policy: If you withdraw three business days prior to the start date of the class, you'll receive a full refund of your tuition minus a $25 administrative fee. No refund is given after that date.
Instructor: Sue EckMaahs
Sue EckMaahsSuzanne (Sue) EckMaahs has been a highly active member of the international MINT Network (Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers) for 18 years, serving as a Trainer of new MINT Trainers, conference/pre-conference presenter, and active committee member. She has practiced and trained MI for over 30 years. With an educational background in sociology, she initially served individuals returning from incarceration while practicing direct service, restorative justice, evidence-based program management, and staff supervision.
Schedule
Two live online sessions:
10 a.m.–Noon each day
- Tuesday, January 28, 2025
- Thursday, January 30, 2025
All times are shown in Central Time (CT).
Approved CE hours for social workers, counselors, therapists, psychologists, and more
By participating in this UW-Madison Continuing Studies class you will earn:
| Instructional Hours | 5 |
| University of Wisconsin Continuing Education Units | .5 |
| American Psychological Association - Continuing Education Credit | 5 |
| Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services - Substance Abuse Counselors - Continuing Education Credit Hours | 5 |
| Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services - Marriage and Family Therapists - Continuing Education Credit Hours | 5 |
| Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services - Social Workers - Continuing Education Credit Hours | 5 |
| Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services - Licensed Professional Counselors | 5 |
Explanation of UW-Madison Continuing Education Hours
APA Approved Sponsor logoUniversity of Wisconsin–Madison Continuing Studies is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. University of Wisconsin–Madison Continuing Studies maintains responsibility for programs and their content.
Format
This course is delivered completely online via live online delivery.
- 100% online instruction
- Real-time lectures
- Lessons and discussions presented via web conferencing or virtual classroom software
- Assignments and projects may be scheduled for completion outside of class.