Overview
This course prepares health care professionals to apply the evidence-based method of motivational interviewing (MI) to support changes in health behaviour among individuals who are ambivalent about making changes. The course is based on the principles in Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change and Grow, 4th edition (2023), by William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick.
Learning objectives
Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to do the following:
- Describe the evidence-based method of MI, including its purpose and underlying principles.
- Define ambivalence (including sustain talk and change talk), discord, and the role of importance and confidence in supporting change.
- Demonstrate the spirit and core skills of MI in interactive exercises.
- Elicit and strengthen change talk in simulated patient-consultation sessions.
- Respond to discord and sustain talk in simulated patient-consultation sessions.
- Discuss considerations for adapting MI across diverse settings and populations.
Dates and pathways
Pre-course activities begin October 1, 2025.
Choose one of two pathways: immersive or extended.
Immersive pathway (15 hours/8 days/5 weeks):
- October 8-November 13, 2025
- This is an accelerated learning format that delivers 15 hours of guided instruction over eight days within a five-week period.
- This pathway builds knowledge efficiently and supports the immediate integration of new skills into practice.
- Course sessions begin at 10:00 a.m. ET.
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Extended pathway (15 hours/10 days/8 weeks):
- October 15-December 10, 2025
- This is a paced learning format that delivers 15 hours of guided instruction over 10 days within an eight-week period.
- This pathway provides time between sessions to consolidate knowledge and support the practical application of new skills.
- Course sessions begin at 4:00 p.m. ET.
Learning approach and expectations
The course combines evidence-based teaching with active participation by learners. This fosters meaningful skill development and direct application in practice settings.
Learning approach:
- Flipped-learning model: Pre-course materials introduce foundational concepts, then live sessions focus on applied learning, informed by each participants’ practice settings.
- Through simulation-based learning with real-time coaching and feedback, learners can strengthen their skills.
Participation expectations:
- Learners must attend all scheduled sessions and maintain active participation throughout the course.
Format
- Live-virtual, faculty-led sessions
- Accessible via laptop, tablet or phone
Required textbook
Course participants must purchase the textbook, which is available in print and digital formats (ebook/audiobook): Miller, W.R. & Rollnick, S. (2023). Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change and Grow (4th ed.). New York: Guilford Press.
Audience
The audience includes professionals in these disciplines:
- Allied health
- Counselling and psychotherapy
- Criminal/Juvenile justice
- Nursing
- Social work, social services
Accreditation: Credits assigned
Continuing Professional Development has awarded the Motivational Interviewing (MI): Introduction and Application Course with the following credits:
- Information will be provided
Pre-requisites
- Participants must have direct patient care responsibilities. During the course, they will require a setting where they can use MI with patients virtually and/or in-person.
- Participants must have prior experience in supportive counselling or possess equivalent patient care experience. The course will not teach basic counselling skills.
Faculty
The course is led by CAMH staff who are members of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT), an international collective of trainers in MI.
Related courses
This course may be completed as an elective course towards the completion of the two CAMH certificate programs:
Pre-Register
To begin the registration process:
Complete the pre-registration form. Upon receipt of the form, CAMH will provide additional course information within three business days.
Please review the cancellation policy.
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