Overview
This workshop provides an introduction to the use of Motivational interviewing (MI) in the psychotherapeutic treatment of clients facing concerns around their alcohol and other drug use. Many individuals who drink or use drugs can do so responsibly and with minimal impact to their lives and their environment. Using MI helps therapists work with clients to explore their ambivalence, and build awareness of their relationship to alcohol and other drugs. MI will supports clients’ self-efficacy and self-trust thereby building capacity for sustainable change.

In this workshop, we will review the spirit and principles of MI as well practice relevant skills such as utilizing Open Ended Questions, Affirmations, Reflection and Summaries (OARS) as part of a session. Assessment skills such as the decisional balance and motivation scales will also we discussed.

Participants will work in dyads and practice OARS with one another. We will, as a group, have time for questions and concerns one might have when adding these new skills to their practice.

Objectives
Participants will be able to:

• Define and explain Motivational Interviewing (MI) and how it can be utilized with clients contemplating change.
• Explain the Stages of Change and how they relate to understanding and supporting clients.
  
• Identify all MI principles and goals of MI.
  
• Explain and practice OARS (Open-Ended Questions, Affirmations, Reflections and Summaries).
  
• Gain practice in MI skills and tools through various exercises.

Continuing Education Information
Gaylesta, Inc. is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.  Gaylesta, Inc. maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

This workshop is sponsored by Gaylesta: The Psychotherapist Association for Gender and Sexual Diversity. These CE units may also be credited to other licensed mental health professionals, such as LCSWs, LPCCs, and LMFTs. CE credit will only be awarded for full attendance. 

Seminar Leaders
Cynthia Hoffman, LMFT, is a psychotherapist in private practice. She has been practicing and teaching Harm Reduction Psychotherapy for over 18 years in both private practice and agency settings. She runs Harm Reduction Therapy Groups in private practice as well as seeing individuals and couples.

Claudia Figallo, MPH, CATC, has been providing Harm Reduction counseling to individuals with co-occurring disorders, the LGBTQ community and young people for over 15 years. She currently works at the Alliance Health Project running a Community Mental Health Training, and provides training and consultation to various agencies around the Bay Area. She uses principles of Motivational Interviewing, Creative Arts and Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention in her work.

Outline
What is Motivational Interviewing, and whom is it for?
What is the spirit of MI and how is it used in psychotherapy?
What are the skills used in Motivational Interviewing?
What are the ways in which Motivational Interviewing is a valuable approach in working with clients from the LGBTQQIA community?

Target Audience
This program is open to clinical psychologists, counselors, psychotherapists, case managers, social workers, marriage & family therapists, addiction treatment specialists, other mental health professionals and those working within the LGBTQ community. It is not appropriate for the general public.

There are no potential conflicts of interest for the instructors in providing this seminar on behalf of Gaylesta.