Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, person-centered communication style. MI skills were derived from clinical practitioners who demonstrated the importance of genuineness, rapport building, accurate empathy, understanding and acceptance of differing viewpoints with the purpose of identifying priorities and setting goals in pursuit of behavioral change. In accordance with the core values of counseling, MI practitioners emphasize empowering individuals through forging a collaborative partnership and shared decision-making as essential components to the process of behavioral change. MI affirms strengths, reinforces motivation and commitment, fosters optimism, and practices unconditional acceptance of the individual. MI has been empirically tested in a wide variety of contexts and settings with diverse populations; research findings show MI to have a positive impact on the individuals served. 

The MI Training aims to equip and strengthen trainees’ capacity to implement evidence-based, collaborative, person-centered communication skills into diverse settings among a variety of populations. The training consists of class discussion, interactive activities, and role-playing exercises. The goal of experiential learning is to scaffold trainees’ learning toward a more purposeful and practical use of MI skills. This learning process will draw upon trainees’ current knowledge and experiences and at the same time will challenge prior knowledge and assumptions using relevant experiential-based methods. 

At the end of this training, trainees will be able to: 

• Identify Stages of Change. 
• Distinguish between Sustain Talk and Change Talk. 
• Describe and evaluate the components of MI and MI Spirit. 
• Distinguish between MI Consistent and Inconsistent Behaviors. 
• Identify and form reflective statements. 
• Convert closed questions into open questions. 
• Create accurate affirmations. 
• Facilitate conversations with MI skills. 

Presented by Aneisa Young Bolton, MA, MI Trainer, Coach, Coder, and Consultant.

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CCALAC Members and Affiliates Fee: $150

Non-member fee: $200

Instructor Biography:

Aneisa Young Bolton has facilitated training and workshops that promote and develop positive behavioral change for over 20 years. Training that includes staff from a variety of professions and industries, including Education, Law Enforcement, Mental Health, and Social Services. Over the past decade she has focused her training sessions on Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Courage to Change Interactive Journaling System (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). Mrs. Bolton’s education and training include a Master of Arts degree in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, certifications from the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT), ATD (Association for Talent Development) and California State University Dominguez Hills Adult Basic Education Credential. Her education and training prepared her to create and facilitate training that is both dynamic and experiential along with informative and interactive. Specifically, the MI trainings include many practice activities that allow trainees to have hands on MI experience that can then be utilized immediately with their patents and clients. In addition, to being a MI trainer, she is also a MI Coach and Coder using the MITI Coding and Coaching method.