Thirty individuals participated in Advanced Motivational Interviewing (MI) training led by Dr. Igor Koutsenok, which focused on enhancing the skills of practitioners in engaging, motivating, and empowering clients to make sustainable positive changes in their lives. Dr. Koutsenok, a Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California San Diego, brings extensive experience in addiction psychiatry and behavioral health.
This advanced course delved deeper into the principles and techniques of MI, building on foundational skills to help participants effectively navigate complex client interactions. The training emphasized the importance of empathy, active listening, and the use of open-ended questions to foster a collaborative environment. Participants learned to recognize and address ambivalence in clients, facilitating a stronger commitment to change.
The training also incorporated practical exercises, role-playing scenarios, and case studies, allowing participants to practice and refine their MI skills in real-world contexts. By the end of the course, attendees were equipped with advanced strategies to enhance their practice, ultimately leading to improved client outcomes in various settings, including addiction treatment and mental health care.
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Motivational Interviewing Returns to Ukiah