SOCW 216 - Motivational Interviewing

3 Credits: (3 lecture)

Course Description
This course assists students in becoming counselors by teaching them beginning Motivational Interviewing skills.  In this course, students will learn and practice the full range of communication skills necessary for beginning use of Motivational Interviewing in systems of all sizes.  This course addresses the purposes and principles of Motivational Interviewing and the role of the treatment provider in effectively entering clients into the change process. 

Prerequisite SOCW 101, SOCW 105

A. Describe general concepts of Motivational Interviewing. 

B. Describe the importance of contextual factors in interviewing and assessment. 

C. Apply general concepts of engagement. 

D. Demonstrate effective communication in helping relationships.  

E. Develop a change plan. 

F. Demonstrate the skills specific to Motivational Interviewing. 

G. Evaluate motivational conversations.  

Content
A. Motivational Interviewing concepts  

B. Contextual factors  

C. General concepts  

D. Effective communication skills  

E. Change plan 

F. Motivational Interviewing skills 

G. Motivational Interviewing evaluation 

Student Evaluation
A. Essay and objective exams, class demonstrations, role play 

B. Essay and objective examinations, written assignments   

C. Class demonstrations. role play 

D. Class demonstrations, role play 

E. Written assignments 

F. Class demonstrations, role play  

G. Class demonstrations, written assignments  Bibliography
Diller, J. V. (2007). Cultural diversity:  A primer for the human services, (4th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole. 

Knapp, H. (2007)). Therapeutic communication: Developing professional skills. Thousand Oaks, CA:  Sage.  

Miller, W.R. & Rollnick S. (2013).  Motivational Interviewing:  Helping people change.  New York, NY:  Guillford Press 

Peterson, J. C. (2007). Why don’t we listen better? Communicating and connecting in relationships. Portland, OR: Peterson Publications.  

Rosengren, D.D, (2017).  Building motivational interviewing skills: A practitioner workbook.  (2nd ed.).  New York, NY: Guilford Press.  

Thomlison, B. (2010). Family assessment handbook: An introduction and practical guide to family assessment, (3rd ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.