Motivational interviewing for behaviour change

The Motivational Interviewing for Behaviour Change course provides healthcare professionals with essential tools to support and inspire health behaviour change. Divided into two focused units, this course emphasises the art of empathetic communication and equips participants to address the complexities of patient ambivalence and resistance effectively.

Unit 1: Introduction to Motivational Interviewing – Part A
This unit introduces the foundational principles of motivational interviewing, focusing on the MI Spirit. Participants learn to build a collaborative and respectful relationship with patients, emphasising partnership, acceptance, compassion, and evocation. Key concepts include understanding ambivalence, the role of patient language in change, and the importance of focusing on change talk over sustain talk.
Key topics include:
- The principles of MI and its relevance to behaviour change.
- Exploring ambivalence and its impact on motivation.
- Recognising and eliciting change talk (desire, ability, reasons, and need for change).
- Using the MI Spirit to foster patient engagement and motivation.

Unit 2: Practical Application of Motivational Interviewing – Part B
Building on the foundational concepts, this unit delves into practical techniques and skills to enhance motivational interviewing. Participants explore the core communication skills of open questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries (OARS) and learn strategies to handle resistance and discord effectively. Techniques for fostering commitment language and guiding patients toward actionable change are also emphasised.
Key topics include:
- Applying the OARS framework to navigate change and sustain talk.
- Strategies to roll with resistance and reduce discord.
- Evoking and reinforcing commitment language to predict successful change.
- Tailoring interventions to build patient confidence and self-efficacy.

This course equips professionals with a compassionate, patient-centred approach to behaviour change, enabling them to inspire motivation and guide patients toward sustainable, healthier choices. Participants leave with practical tools they can immediately apply in clinical settings to foster meaningful patient outcomes.