Motivational Interviewing and Social Work: A Perfect Pairing

Capability Levels: Emerging; Evolving

Ever found yourself grappling with the challenges of behaviour change in your client work? If yes, you’re not alone.

Motivational Interviewing, developed by William Miller PhD and Stephen Rollnick PhD in the 1980s, offers a solution. Originally rooted in the alcohol and other drug sector, it has evolved into a versatile approach applied across diverse settings like mental health, corrective services, education, leadership, medical care, and child welfare.

This evidence-based modality teaches a client-centric approach and a way of being with people, underpinned by the foundations of partnership, acceptance, compassion, and empowerment. Whether used independently or alongside existing practices, Motivational Interviewing will enrich your approach to facilitating meaningful conversations about change and growth.

Who should register?

This course is tailored for Social Workers and allied health professionals in direct service provision. Motivational Interviewing is applicable across diverse practice settings and client presentations. If you’re involved in facilitating change and growth, this evidence-based approach will support and guide your work.

Motivational Interviewing is incorporated under Medicare’s list of Focussed Psychological Strategies.

Learning objectives

You will have the opportunity to develop (or enhance) your understanding of:

• Motivational Interviewing as an evidence-based approach for supporting change and growth.
• The Spirit of Motivational Interviewing and key Principles of Practice.
• Behaviour change, as understood through the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) of Behaviour Change.
• The four Fundamental Tasks of Motivational Interviewing.
• Practical tools and strategies to incorporate Motivational Interviewing into daily practice.

Learning modalities

This course employs a range of instructional techniques, including presentation videos, textual information, engaging activities, handouts, quizzes, and role plays. These elements collectively showcase Motivational Interviewing in practical application, offering you a comprehensive and dynamic learning experience.

AASW Credentials: Mental Health (Focussed Psychological Strategies); Clinical