International Symposium on Motivational Interviewing

I recently attended the 3rd International Symposium on Motivational Interviewing (MI) held in Melbourne, Australia. The speakers covered topics such as MI directions, how we learn MI, the kind of challenges practitioners face when using MI, amongst other matters. Technical therapeutic definitions aside I though Stephen Rollnick gave a beautiful and uplifting talk explaining the “Spirit” of Motivational Interviewing.

The “Spirit” of Motivational Interviewing

MI is more than the use of a set of technical interventions. It is characterized by a particular “spirit” or clinical “way of being” which is the context or interpersonal relationship within which the techniques are employed.

Motivational Interviewing has been a utility I have been using in practice for a good number of years now and attending this Symposium has only reaffirmed the value of MI. 

Follow the link below for a concise overview of Motivational Interviewing

http://www.motivationalinterview.org/Documents/1 A MI Definition Principles & Approach V4 012911.pdf