Motivational Interviewing (OARS) Practice and Skills Workshop

Marya Wright, ACSW

Training Description

This is an intermediate course developed for people who have a basic understanding of Motivational Interviewing (MI). This course will provide practical skills and strategies to support the knowledge gained in an Introductory MI course. Participants who attend this 3-hour training will increase their understanding of Open-ended questions, Affirmations and Reflections (OARS). The content explores each interviewing technique in depth to enhance the tool kit of MI responses. Participants will be able apply the tools learned in this course to establish report, collaboration and understanding for the system-involved youth and/or young adults that they currently work with.

Learning Objective

• Participants will identify 4 open-ended questions and learn how to convert closed questions.
• Participants will be able to identify 3 examples of reflective statements to make.
• Participants will list 5 strength and affirmation responses to utilize.

Agenda 

9:30 – 9:50am Welcome & Introductions

9:50 – 10:15am Agenda, Overview, Objectives and Learning Goals

10:15 – 10:45am Open-ended Questions

10:45 – 11:00am BREAK (CEUs will not be issued for this time)

11:00 – 11:30am Affirmations

11:30am – 12:00pm Reflections

12:00 – 12:15pm 30-day Action Plan

12:15 – 12:30pm Questions/Answers, Evaluation, Closing

Meet Our Trainer

Marya Wright, MSW is registered Associate Clinical Social Worker with the Board of Behavioral Sciences working to obtain her LCSW. Marya is currently employed as a Child Welfare Worker II in the Dependency Investigation Unit. Marya is responsible for conducting investigations and making assessments based on the Welfare & Institutions Code section 300 regarding child abuse, neglect and exploitation based off clear and convincing evidence of risk to the child and on the legality of Court intervention.

As a graduate from San Diego State University with a bachelor’s degree in social work, Marya focused on Child Welfare Services and Motivational Interviewing. Marya attended California State University, East Bay and graduated with a master’s degree in social work with a focus in Child Welfare Policy and research. Marya has conducted research in Child Sexual Exploitation and Foster Care. Marya is a lecturer at CSU, East Bay where she teaches in the Department of Sociology. Marya has been able to apply and build these skills across several leadership roles in both private and public sector organizations.

In addition to her leadership responsibilities, Marya has been responsible for training and facilitating, mentoring, coaching, recruitment and retention, consulting, program and curriculum development.

This course meets the qualifications for (2.75) 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.