Motivational Interviewing in Rhode Island
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a counseling model that focuses on increasing an individual’s motivation to change unhealthy behaviors such as substance use. MI helps patients work through any ambivalence or resistance they may have by supporting awareness of the need for and/or desirability of behavioral changes. A clinician utilizing MI does not advocate for change—which can result in defensive or avoidance behavior—but, rather, helps create a conversational framework (called “change talk”), that allows patients to frame their own arguments and focus on realistic goals for behavioral change.
Motivational Interviewing recognizes that most patients are cognizant of the negative consequences of unhealthy behavior. A clinician utilizing MI encourages patients to focus on the benefits of behavioral change while allowing them to work their way towards awareness of these benefits. As this process unfolds, the clinician works to reinforce and enhance personal motivation to change and may help the patient with decision-making by asking open-ended questions. Studies have shown that Motivational Interviewing is a highly effective approach for treating substance use disorder, increasing participation and retention while in treatment and increasing the level of abstinence during recovery.
CODAC has been invested in the adoption and implementation of agency-wide behavioral healthcare practice of MI for over 10 years. In 2006, CODAC was invited by the New England Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) to participate in a National Institute on Drug Addiction (NIDA)-funded pilot program to create and sustain a culture of MI in an addiction treatment setting. Of the providers participating in the project, CODAC was the only agency to complete the pilot. CODAC and the ATTC continued to collaborate on MI based projects for several years following the conclusion of the project.
The implementation of organizational culture change requires intensive training for identified staff and the necessary time (one to two years) for leaders to attain sufficient competence in the practice and maintenance of MI. CODAC’s certified MI training team has provided training and consultation services to agencies and institutions in RI, including Lifespan, Rhode Island College, The Providence Center, and the Parent Support Network.
Is MI Training a good fit for your organization? One of the most common feedback comments we receive from training participants is, “I want my whole team to take this training!” We feel that our commitment to providing relevant, evidence-based material in a highly interactive, personalized way is the secret to our success. People leave feeling competent and confident in working with clients to improve health outcomes. Please contact our training department to discuss your needs at 401-207-7788.
