Learning Motivational Interviewing

My approach to training is informed by the evidence base of Motivational Interviewing, combined with my experience as a practitioner, leader, and trainer.

Effective MI learning requires moving beyond information-giving towards experiential, reflective practice. Skills develop over time—through practice, feedback, and real-world application—rather than through workshops alone. This understanding shapes both how I structure my training and the tone I bring to it.

Training at a glance

The elements below can be used separately or combined into a sequential learning journey, depending on your needs and goals.

2-Day Introductory Workshop — Foundation in MI principles, core skills, and practice through role play and feedback.

4–6 One-to-One Coaching Sessions — Personalised support to develop your skills, work through challenges, and apply learning in your own practice.

2-Day Advancing Skills Workshop — Deepen your practice, explore complex conversations, and build confidence with resistant or ambivalent clients.

Practice Coding and Feedback — Review recordings of your own conversations using MI coding frameworks. This structured reflection helps you recognise what's working, identify patterns, and track your development over time. Coding simply means listening carefully to conversations and labelling the specific MI skills you hear—a powerful way to build awareness and refine your practice.

Training structure in detail

  • The initial workshop introduces or consolidates the foundations of Motivational Interviewing.

    It focuses on:

    • MI spirit and relational stance

    • Core communication skills

    • Structure and direction in MI conversations

    • Extensive skills practice in a safe, supportive environment

    This workshop can stand alone as an introduction or refresher for those not wishing to continue with coaching or follow‑up training.

  • Following the initial workshop, participants are offered four one‑to‑one coaching sessions.

    These sessions:

    • Focus on real‑world practice

    • Support the transfer of workshop learning into day‑to‑day work

    • Offer reflective space, feedback, and skill refinement

    Sessions are usually spaced over several weeks to support integration and confidence.

  • The second workshop builds on earlier learning and focuses on deepening MI practice.

    It includes:

    • Working with complexity and ambivalence

    • Integration of MI into existing roles and systems

    • Preparing and recording a short sample of real practice (with appropriate consent)

  • Following submission of a practice recording:

    • The sample is coded using MI‑consistent principles

    • A one‑to‑one feedback session explores strengths and areas for development

    • Feedback is developmental and supportive, not evaluative

    The emphasis is on confidence, accuracy, and next steps.

Who this is for

This approach is designed for practitioners and organisations who want Motivational Interviewing to be usable, ethical, and sustainable in real‑world settings.

It is particularly well suited to:

  • Substance use services working with complexity and long‑term change

  • Health professionals in primary care, public health, and prevention

  • Social care, housing, criminal justice, and community services

  • Teams supporting people with trauma histories or co‑existing needs

  • Organisations seeking to embed MI over time rather than deliver one‑off training

Why this works

  • Mirrors how MI itself is learned: collaboratively, experientially, and over time

  • Balances structure with autonomy and choice

  • Emphasises confidence and competence rather than compliance

  • Reflects both the evidence base and extensive frontline and leadership experience