Blog Archives

Using Motivational Interviewing skills with family This short MI minute is all about answering the question, can I use my skills with family? Casey has some great points to pay attention to on this one! ...
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Check out this short MI Minute on Executive functioning! ...
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The Rainbow sheet! If you haven't seen this sheet before, it is used in our in person trainings. Casey explains how to read and use this sheet as you practice and work on your Motivational Interviewing skills ...
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Values based Communication How often do you think about your values when communicating with a loved one?  What are common/typical values?  When you make decisions, or you help a loved one make decisions, how often do either of you think about your personal values and how those decisions align with those values? In a fast paced, busy world it’s common for individuals to not think about their values or communicate using their values as things move so quickly.  But what would decisions, what would life, how would we feel to think about our values each time we made a decision? Today, this newsletter is all about exploring how we can communicate using values, as well as individually think about our values more often! First, lets talk about some common values: Independence Quality of Life Autonomy Freedom Accomplishment Stability Peace Security Wisdom Contribution Connection Fulfillment Integrity Respect Loyalty Legacy Fairness As ...
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When can I share my expertise in Motivational Interviewing? We all have that urge, knowing the person we are talking to wants answers, and we have those answers in our heads-because we have the expertise!  So when during Motivational Interviewing, can we share that?  This MI minute is all about that! ...
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Partnership vs. Relationship Check out this MI minute on understanding the difference between partnership in a conversation and relationship ...
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Stages of Change practice worksheet. This worksheet is a line by line clip from the video recording of Theresa Moyer and a client discussing physical abuse of a child. We do not have the entire transcription, but part of it is in this worksheet. Practice yourself, or with a group-but this worksheet is all about recognizing the language you are hearing from the client and then the stage of change the client is in ...
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Verbal Interventions What are verbal interventions in Motivational Interviewing? ...
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Recency Effect This is a really cool communication tip! The recency effect is not an MI specific tip, but more communication in general! Enjoy! ...
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Ever want to help a friend, loved one or spouse make some healthy life changes? Do they or you ever get stuck in the process? This blog is all about trying to help friends make changes, by understanding communication and the roadblock it can have on change. Check it out! I keep trying to help them change “Gah, I gave her really good advice last time-and she is still complaining about that?” “Why won’t my kids listen to me, I’m helping them to be successful!” “Ugh if only my husband would take care of his health, it bothers me that it doesn’t seem to be a priority for him.” Have you ever uttered these phrases? Wanting to help those around you, but it just never seems to work? Did you know there is science behind how you can communicate to someone about change that will either increase resistance or decrease ...
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Person Centered vs. Motivational Interviewing This short 60 second clip is all about understanding what the difference is between being person centered vs having a Motivational Interviewing approach ...
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5 intentions. Do you know what the 5 intentions are in the MICA coding and coaching process? Check out this short MI minute on the 5 intentions! According to the MICA-Motivational Interviewing Competency Assessment ...
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Recognizing Sustain/Change talk language worksheet. Check out this practice worksheet to hone your skills on recognizing language ...
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Guiding Values. This short MI minute is all about guiding values, check it out! ...
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Empathy, Sympathy and Compassion. Do you know the difference between these 3? Check out this week's MI minute for understanding Empathy, Sympathy AND Compassion much more! ...
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Executive Functioning What is it? Why do we want to know more about it?  In this approximately 15 minute discussion Casey shares his insights on executive functioning and how it plays a pivotal role in empowering others to make decisions and use critical thinking skills. This podcast is also a GREAT one for parents, because as parents we want to engage our kid’s executive functioning capabilities-to help facilitate independent kids that know how to problem solve and critically think about things ...
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Getting engagement in Communication Have you ever had one of those awkward conversations where the other person just doesn't seem to talk? Today we discuss how to help build engagement in those difficult conversations, so read away! Getting engagement in communication So you meet someone new, a colleague, a friend, a boss and this is your conversation. You: “It’s so nice to finally meet you! We are so glad to have you on the team! How long have you lived in the area?” Them: “Nice to meet you-for awhile.” You: “Oh that’s awesome! I’m also a PNW born and raised. What’s your favorite area to visit on the weekends?” Them: “Ummm, wherever.” You: “Nice-yeah I like to visit the Nob Hill area as there is so much good food and shopping. Do you like to eat out much?” Them: “yeah totally when I can.” What a frustrating conversation! You are ...
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Leadership and MI.  Check out this short MI minute on how MI can effect Leadership within an organization! ...
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Strategic Reflections This short 60 second video is on strategic reflections! Listen up for some tips on how and why this skill is important! ...
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Guiding Directing or Following. If you want to understand the difference between these 3 concepts in communication and Motivational Interviewing-this MI minute is for YOU! ...
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