Motivational Interviewing: Improving Client Outcomes by Increasing Intrinsic Motivation for Change
Presented by
Randi JensenMotivational Interviewing (MI) is an established evidence-based practice renowned for resolving ambivalence. MI, which originates in substance use disorder treatment, has been shown to enhance client motivation for change and improve treatment outcomes
Overview
6 CEs Recorded: December, 2025
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an established evidence-based practice renowned for resolving ambivalence. MI, which originates in substance use disorder treatment, has been shown to enhance client motivation for change and improve treatment outcomes. The spirit of MI complements Self-Determination Theory (SDI), which asserts that people have an intrinsic desire to make life changes congruent with their core values. SDI states that people are more likely to be internally motivated if their actions, beliefs, and core values align. Motivational Interviewing provides the technique to make that happen. The principles of Motivational Interviewing include providing accurate empathy, building discrepancy, rolling with resistance, and increasing self-efficacy. These supply the basis for building intrinsic motivation for change and can facilitate the resolution of life-threatening ambivalence in suicidality. Researchers Britton, Williams, and Connor (2008) show how the therapist’s proficiency in Motivational Interviewing can resolve a client’s ambivalence and resistance to change. This very practical workshop includes learning through lectures, interactive discussions, demonstrations, video role plays, and skill-building through group exercises. These methods combine to provide techniques and interventions that can be applied immediately.
Objectives:
• Describe the principles that underpin Motivational Interviewing and how they promote client autonomy • Articulate the distinguishing techniques of open-ended questions, affirmations, reflective listening, and summarizations • Explain the Stages of Change as described by Prochaska and DiClemente (1983) • Discuss the significance of Self-Determination Theory in coordination with MI • Distinguish different methods of using MI with specific populations and varied disorders • Express and practice Motivational Interviewing techniques used in counseling suicidal individuals • Describe ethical considerations and documentation • Enumerate necessary therapist qualities that support the efficient use of MI
About the Presenter
Randi Jensen, MA, LMHC, SUDP (she/her) received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Washington and began her career in social service as a Resource and Education Counselor working with the seriously mental ill. Randi obtained a Washington State Certification in Chemical Dependency Counseling and Chemical Dependency Professional Certification. She then went on to obtain a Master of Arts in Counseling from Antioch University, Seattle. From 2010-2013, Randi was the Director of The Soldiers Project Washington, a non-profit organization providing no cost, no report mental health counseling to current and former military members, their families and concerned others. In addition to specializing in treatment of suicidality, Randi provides counseling to those dealing with substance abuse, gambling, and military trauma. Randi also provides trainings for Washington State Behavioral Health Conference, Evergreen Council on Program Gambling, Delaware Council on Gambling Problems, various employment assistance programs, and individual health agencies. Randi also specializes in developing Suicide Prevention Programs for Native American communities as well as various youth mental health programs. Ms. Jensen is the author of Just Because You’re Suicidal Doesn’t Mean You’re Crazy: The Psychobiology of Suicide, a book about overcoming chronic suicidality through peer support. She is currently writing her second book called, How to Talk to Kids about Suicide: A book for all ages” as well as collecting stories of triumph for her book, “Just Because I Tried to Kill Myself Doesn’t Mean I want to Die: Lessons Learned in Recovery from Suicidality.