This interactive training introduces participants to the core principles and practical skills of Motivational Interviewing (MI), an evidence-based, client-centered communication approach originally developed by William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick. MI is widely used in healthcare, behavioral health, education, corrections, social services, leadership, and coaching to strengthen motivation for change.

Participants will learn how to move beyond persuasion and advice-giving toward conversations that evoke clients’ own reasons for change. The training combines foundational theory with case examples, guided practice scenarios, and sample language for each phase of the MI process.

Learning Objectives: 

By the end of this training learners will be able to:

• Describe the key concepts of motivational interviewing (partnership, acceptance, compassion, evocation).
• Demonstrate core communication skills using OARS (open questions, affirmations, reflections, summaries).
• Recognize and respond effectively to change talk and sustain talk.
• Use MI-consistent language in professional settings.

Format: Self-paced training (work at your own pace, use "save and exit" as needed).

Duration:  ~60 minutes

Authors: Randa Kutob, MD, MPH; Allison Root, DrPH, RDN

Narration: This training includes narration generated using AI voice technology (WellSaid).

Animated Videos: Developed by Erich Healy and Porter McDonald; Narration: Erich Healy, Porter McDonald, Randa Kutob, Sonia Nieves.

Target Audience: Public Health Professionals including community health workers, physicians, social workers, dietitians, and health educators.

Published: 6/2026

Disclosures:  The planners, reviewers, and authors have no declared conflicts of interest.

CE Available: 

• Continuing Education Contact Hours for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES): This program is designated for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES®) and/or Master Certified Health Education Specialists (MCHES®) to receive up to 1.0  total Category I continuing education contact hours (1.5 Continuing Competency Credits). WRPHTC provider number 99036.
• Continuing Professional Education Units for Dietitians (CPEUs): As a Jointly Accredited Organization, the WRPHTC is approved to offer continuing professional education units by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. The WRPHTC designates this activity for 1.0 contact hours for dietitians. Dietitians should enter activities as type 102 on their Activity Log.
• 1.0 AMA PRA Credit for Physicians (Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity).

Accreditation Statements


The WRPHTC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
 

The WRPHTC is a Designated Multiple Event Provider of Continuing Education Contact Hours (CECH) for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES) through the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc.