Motivational Interviewing (MI): Improving Adolescent System-Involved Youth Engagement and Outcomes

Sarah Solis, LCSW

Training Description

This training will focus on the nuanced application of Motivational Interviewing fundamentals when supporting adolescent system involved youth. Attendees will learn about the Spirit of Motivational Interviewing, OARS (open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries), and the different forms of communication (change talk, sustain talk, discord). Attendees will apply these concepts with the practice of adolescent-friendly Motivational Interviewing strategies that nurture agency and independence. The training will conclude with a discussion around how to increase caregiver (family, school staff, other adults) support for the adolescent. The training will include large group discussion, breakout groups, and practice with concrete MI exercises.

Learning Objectives

· Attendees will be able to identify 2 ways in which the Spirit of Motivational Interviewing can increase engagement with adolescent system involved youth.

· Attendees will be able to differentiate between sustain talk, change talk, and discord.

· Attendees will be able to identify 2 OARS skills which could be to support improved outcomes for system involved youth.

Agenda 

9:00-9:30am Introductions and objectives

9:30-10:00am The Righting Reflex (themes, ambivalence)

10:00-10:30am Spirit of MI (the four components, challenges)

10:30-10:45am Break (CE Hours will not be offered for this time)

10:45-11:30am Three types of Communication (sustain talk, discord, change talk)

11:30am-12pm OARS (open-ended questions)

12:00-12:30pm Lunch (CE hours will not be offered for this time)

12:30-2:00pm OARS (affirmations, reflections, summaries)

2:00-2:15pm Break (CE hours will not be offered for this time)

2:15-3:45pm Breakout MI practice sessions (coding and feedback)

3:45-4:00pm Conclusion, Wrap-up

Meet Our Trainers

Director of Seeds of Change Consulting, Sarah Solis LCSW (CA Board of Behavioral Sciences #27575), has 15 years of experience providing care to clients impacted by trauma. She is currently employed as a Clinical Case Manager at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sarah has worked in corrections, community mental health outpatient and day treatment programs, medical social work, and community-based services for children and families. Sarah has experience providing direct service, clinical supervision, and worked as a program manager for many years.

The majority of Sarah’s experience has been working with underserved and marginalized populations. Cultural humility and responsiveness are an essential element in her work. She participates in regular cultural humility work groups and facilitates trainings to address oppressive practices in clinical settings.

Sarah graduated from UC Berkeley with a master’s in social work. Sarah has been training for 13 years and completed the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) training program. She remains an active member.

This course meets the qualifications for (6) BBS CE Hours for LCSWs, LMFTs, LPCCs, and LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences & is provided by Fred Finch Youth Center, CAMFT Provider #045295.