Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, goal-oriented style of communication with a particular attention to the language of change. It is designed to strengthen personal motivation for and commitment to a specific goal, by eliciting and exploring a person’s own reasons for change, within an atmosphere of acceptance and compassion (Miller & Rollnick, 2013).

This course will present the foundations and a broad overview of MI, including four macro skills that guide the successful usage of MI. The clinical focus is on the attitude and specific skills needed to evoke a teen student’s autonomy and motivation. It will show how school counselors or anyone working with teenagers can set up and deliver a successful and empowering MI session that leads to self-motivated, lasting changes. Although middle and high school aged teenagers can be a challenging group to work with, MI skills can provide a clear framework and can truly change the landscape to one of collaboration and success.