Supporting People in Making Change: Motivational Interviewing

Presenter: Robin Gordon, Motivational Interviewing Trainer and Project Manager

This activities-based session focuses on an introduction to motivational interviewing and harm reduction. We include discussion about client motivation, the factors that may keep people in unhealthy patterns, and techniques to assist clients in recognizing their reasons and readiness to change. We introduce stages of change, review how harm reduction is connected to motivational interviewing, and practice the fundamental OARS skills. 

Learning Objectives:
1. Learn about Motivational Interviewing and Harm Reduction as tools to help people change and grow.
2. Practice and develop these skills to use with your clients.
3. Work through challenges of supporting clients at varying levels of readiness for change.

Level: Beginner, Intermediate
Track: Older Adults/Persons with Disabilities, Family & Youth
HUD Training Area(s): Mental Health Issues, Drug and Alcohol Use/Abuse by Elders, Crisis Prevention and Intervention, Effective Communication

This three hour session was recorded on September 18, 2025.

This course expires 365 days from the point of purchase. Eligible for 3 CEUs. Not eligible for NASW credit.

NERSC Training Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed during this event are those of the presenter(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the New England Resident Service Coordinators, Inc. (NERSC) or any other agency, organization, employer or company. As such, any reference in this training to any person, or organization, activities, processes, products, programs or services related to such person or organization, or any linkages from this training to the training of another party, do not constitute or imply the endorsement, recommendation, sponsorship or favoring of NERSC. Moreover, it is the training participant’s responsibility to verify facts and information. The information presented at this event was prepared for NERSC. It is proprietary, confidential and protected by applicable intellectual property laws. No part of this event may be duplicated or distributed without the prior written consent of NERSC.