Motivational Interviewing and Adolescence: Nurturing Independence

Sarah Solis, LCSW  

Training Description

This training will focus on the nuanced application of Motivational Interviewing fundamentals when working with adolescent clients. Attendees will learn about the Spirit of Motivational Interviewing, the four processes, 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 interventions that nurture agency and independence. The training will conclude with a discussion around how to increase caregiver (family, school staff, other adults) support around the adolescent’s treatment focus. 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 clients.
• Attendees will be able to differentiate between sustain talk, change talk, and discord.
• Attendees will choose 2 OARS skills to use in the next 30 days.

Agenda

9-9:15             Sign in, introductions, objectives

9:15-9:30        The Righting Reflex

9:30-10           The Spirit of MI

10:00-10:45    Three Type of Communication

10:45-11:00    Break (CEUs will not be issued for this time)

11:00-12:30    The Four Processes

12:30-1:00      Lunch (CEUs will not be issued for this time)

1:00-3:00        OARS

3:00-3:15        Break (CEUs will not be issued for this time)

3:15-3:45        Working with the client’s family and school caregivers

3:45-4:00        Wrap-Up & Evals  

Meet Our Trainer

Director of Seeds of Change Consulting, Sarah Solis LCSW, has 12 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. Sarah believes treatment is a gift to the healer as well as the healing. Each individual or family brings an incredible life story and personal wisdom. Throughout the treatment process, Sarah ensures that an individual or family’s voice is heard and respected. The majority of her experience has been working with underserved and marginalized populations. Cultural humility and responsiveness is an important element in her work. She participates in monthly cultural humility work groups and has co-authored a training on cultural assessment and treatment planning. Sarah has completed the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) training program and remains an active member.

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