Overview

This activity explores Motivational Interviewing (MI). An evidence-based approach to therapy, supports people in their change and growth, offering significant and durable results across multiple presentations and populations. MI has been applied in many contexts, from paediatric health behaviours, adolescent substance use, adult chronic pain, and mandated clients (to name a few) with consistently positive outcomes in terms of associated treatment goals.   

It covers:

• the underlying theory of MI,

• key tasks and core skills crucial to MI, 

• empirical evidence supporting its efficacy,

• ethical challenges, including research limitations, and

• potential barriers to access. 

NOTE: This activity does not function as or replace formal, accredited MI therapy training. Rather, it provides education regarding the nature of the therapy and how and when it might be effectively used. Clinicians are reminded of their ethical duty to remain within their scope of practice. 

Level of learning

Foundational. This activity is targeted to those who are new to the topic.

Duration of access

Access to this activity is for 6 months from the date of confirmed registration.

CPD Frequently Asked Questions

Refer to the APS CPD Frequently Asked Questions for general and technical information when undertaking Professional Development with the APS.

APS CPD-Approved

This eLearning activity has been assessed against the APS Standards for CPD activities and approved for its education quality. Learn more about the APS CPD Approval process.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this eLearning activity, participants should be able to:

• explain the key mechanisms that may contribute to the positive treatment outcomes of MI,

• identify which client populations and presentations may benefit from MI, and

• outline ethical considerations in relation to research, competencies, treatment delivery and practice. 

About the presenter(s)

Contributors
Dr Stan Steindl Clinical Psychologist M.Clin Pych, PhD. The University of Queensland.

Notes

This activity does not function as or replace formal, accredited MI therapy training. Rather, it provides education regarding the nature of the therapy and how and when it might be effectively used. Clinicians are reminded of their ethical duty to remain within their scope of practice.