Topic: Motivational Interviewing: A Theory or a Practice?

Presenter:  Jason Florin, MHS, CAADC, MISA I

This presentation explores the difficulty that many practitioners face when implementing evidence-based practices such as Motivational Interviewing. Although we as counselors know the theory and describe using such approaches, many times we do not in practice.

Outline:

1. Brief history of M.I.

II. Behaviors for which M.I. is applicable

III. Research/practice gap

IV. Barriers to implementing M.I. in treatment

a.  Agency policy

b.  Agency culture

c.  Personal views conflict with model

d.  Lack of knowledge

V. Drawbacks to implementing M.I.

a.  Does not match counselor’s style

b.  Group work

c.  Allows a large amount of client autonomy