Learning module

Guiding Behavior Change through Motivational Interviewing

1.5 contact hours 4 learning objectives
Motivational Interviewing is a communication technique that is specifically designed to resolve ambivalence about, and build motivation for behavior change. In other words, motivational interviewing can help us help clients better understand their reasons for and against change. It can help our clients make informed decisions about whether or not to change and to feel more invested in the decision. Motivational Interviewing does not provide clients with solutions or problem solving until they have made the decision to change.
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What You'll Learn

Module objectives

  • List the stages of change.
  • List the principles of motivational interviewing.
  • Identify at least three forms of reflective listening.
  • Define "change talk."

Table of Contents

Module sequence

  1. Module Home

    This introduction defines motivational interviewing as a communication technique for exploring ambivalence about behavior change. It explains that the approach does not provide solutions or problem-solving before a client decides to change.

  2. Objectives

    Review the learning objectives for this module. Use them to focus on the knowledge and skills covered in the sections that follow.

  3. Background

    This section introduces why behavior change can be difficult and the helping professional's role. It outlines the stages of change and the foundations of motivational interviewing.

  4. What We Say Can Cause Resistance!

    This lesson examines resistance during change conversations, including arguing, interrupting, denying, and ignoring. It uses examples to contrast helper responses and resistant client behavior.

  5. Motivational Interviewing

    This section introduces motivational interviewing and its use in conversations about behavior change. Learners will encounter explanations, examples, and a section review.

  6. Motivational Interviewing Skills and Strategies

    This section presents motivational interviewing techniques, including open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries. It also includes examples of change talk and a section review question.

  7. Encouraging Change Talk

    This lesson presents summaries, change talk, and the ICAN structure for moving a conversation forward. It includes a financial-situation case example and guidance on the elements of a helper summary.

  8. Providing Information

    This section focuses on sharing information within motivational interviewing conversations. Learners will encounter communication approaches, examples, and a section review.

  9. References

    This section lists sources and further resources related to motivational interviewing. It includes a video resource for reviewing motivational interviewing principles and skills.

  10. Post Test

    Complete the module post-test to check your understanding of the material. Use the results to identify topics you may want to review.

  11. Evaluation

    Share feedback about the module and your learning experience. Complete this evaluation as you finish the module.

  12. Certificate

    Access your certificate after completing the required module activities. Use this section to view or download documentation of completion.