Health & Human Services, Enrichment, and Business and Management Enrichment Health and Human Services Business & Management

Healthcare Supervision and Coaching using Motivational Interviewing

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a step-by-step strategy of building an alliance with staff and motivating them to their "best" work with the client or patient. It incorporates an empathetic, nonjudgmental style, helping the individual worker create an atmosphere for change. Consequently, it minimizes resistance and maximizes self-motivation. In addition to its value in clinical and health-care practice with patients and clients, MI has been used very effectively in supervising and coaching staff to:

  • enhance intrinsic motivation by helping staff explore and resolve their own ambivalence
  • improve their MI skills for use with patients

The experience of parallel process using motivational interviewing in supervision will be illustrated using case presentations and interactive exercises throughout the program. At the conclusion of these intensive two-days, participants will be able to:

  • identify the eight stages of learning MI
  • use Standardized Coding Systems (MITI) for evaluating competency of staff using MI
  • create a coaching climate, and give feedback that motivates supervisees
  • evaluate empathy and understand resistance
  • negotiate a learning plan with staff

This workshop is appropriate for all health care providers, substance abuse and mental health professionals who are engaged in the ongoing process of supervising/coaching.

Stephen Andrew, LCSW, LADC, CCS, CGP trains and consults nationally and internationally, and he has a private practice in Portland and has 26 years' experience working with chemical dependency issues and does individual, family, and group work with adolescents, men, and couples. Stephen has worked in an array of settings, including schools and treatment facilities.


Monday, September 24, and Tuesday, September 25, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Registration has ended. Please browse courses for future offerings of this course.

$265 (12 contact hours/ 1.2 CEUs)
Abromson Center, 88 Bedford Street, USM Portland campus