We are excited to announce that many staff in BRS will be receiving Motivational Interviewing (MI) Training through the Co-Occurring Collaborative Serving Maine (CCSME) and the Health and Education Training Institute (HETI). This is a two-year contract where we hope to develop our skills and confidence using this style of communication.
What is Motivational Interviewing? “Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a particular way of talking with people about change and growth to strengthen their own motivation and commitment.” (Miller & Rollnick, Fourth Edition, 2023). MI is an empowering approach that emphasizes the importance of and honors individuals’ strengths, motivations, resourcefulness, and autonomy. MI fosters meaningful dialogue based upon deep listening and offering empathy.
During our time working with CCSME and HETI we will:
- Engage in comprehensive, experiential in-person training on Motivational Interviewing Foundational and Advancing the Practice of Motivational Interviewing
- Have opportunities to practice and receive constructive feedback from experienced MI fidelity coders
- Participate in weekly drop-in Learning Communities to practice, ask questions, and connect, including one monthly session specifically focused on BRS.
- A centralized MI resource website hosted by CCSME
- Quarterly Newsletters filled with MI resources, tips, and podcasts
- Develop internal MI Coaches, aka “MI Champions,” who will provide ongoing training and support to staff.
As we advance in our training, you will receive an email from CCSME inviting you to complete a Workers Response Questionnaire (WRQ). The answers to these questions will help guide CCSME and HETI in developing our trainings, so it is important that you take a few minutes to provide your responses. If the scenarios are not ones you encounter regularly, that is OK, just respond as you would if someone did approach you with that issue. Remember, there are no wrong answers, and you will have the opportunity to receive feedback from MI experts on your responses. We are truly excited about this journey as we implement this evidence-based model to enhance our work with the individuals we serve.
Shannon Burns, LSW, CRC
Rehabilitation Consultant
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Maine Dept of Labor
207-458-6196