Introduction in the Use of Motivational Interviewing with Survivors of Domestic Violence

Level: Advanced Practice – Lineworker and Supervisor

Credits: 6

Intended Audience: This is an advanced class for child welfare social workers interested in using motivational interviewing techniques in working with domestic violence.

Intended Objectives:

• Learn the basic techniques of motivational interviewing.
• Understand the principles of motivational interviewing and how to use it with domestic violence survivors.
• Understand how to integrate motivational interviewing into current case work practices.
• Learn how to adapt motivational interviewing techniques to different populations.

Topics Include:

• The spirit and principles of motivational interviewing.
• The use of client-centered skills.
• The recognition of change talk.
• Eliciting and reinforcing change talk.
• Rolling with resistance.
• Integration of MI with other intervention methods.

CalSWEC Competencies Addressed:

1.1 Student demonstrates respect, fairness, and cultural competence in assessing, working with, and making services decisions regarding clients of diverse backgrounds.

3.8 Student demonstrates the ability to respectfully relate, engage, and assess family members from a strength-based “person in environment” perspective, and to develop and implement a case plan based in the assessment.

3.9 Student demonstrates the ability to engage and work with involuntary clients in a manner that includes the exercise of client self-determination.

3.12 Student understands the inherent power differential in working with clients and can effectively manage and balance that power.