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In Person

Motivational Interviewing: Preparing People for Change

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Information

Date & Time

Location

  • 701 N Council Rd
    Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73127

Description

This training introduces the foundational principles, spirit, and strategies of Motivational Interviewing (MI), an evidence-based, person-centered approach to guiding individuals through the process of behavior change. Participants will explore the theoretical underpinnings of MI, recognize common communication traps, and practice core techniques such as open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections, and summarizing (OARS). Emphasis will be placed on cultivating empathy, evoking client motivations, and supporting self-efficacy to improve treatment engagement, reduce resistance, and strengthen therapeutic alliances.

Educational Goal

To equip participants with the knowledge and skills to effectively apply Motivational Interviewing (MI) as a person-centered, goal-oriented communication method for enhancing intrinsic motivation and resolving ambivalence.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Define Motivational Interviewing and explain its purpose in facilitating behavior change.

  • Describe the key elements of the MI spirit (autonomy, collaboration, and evocation) and their role in clinical practice.

  • Apply the OARS communication skills to enhance client engagement and promote change talk.

  • Demonstrate techniques to assess and strengthen client readiness, willingness, and confidence to change.

Target Audience

  • Addiction Professional
  • Counselor
  • Marriage & Family Therapist
  • Social Worker

Presenters

Ben Allred, LPC, LADC Ben Allred earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Oklahoma Baptist University in 2005. While beginning his career in the mental health and substance abuse field, conducting assessments and supporting individuals in crisis, he continued his education at East Central University, earning his Master’s Degree in School Counseling in 2008. That same year, Ben married his beautiful wife, Erin. Together, they have been blessed with four wonderful children: Andrew, Lincoln, Ellie, and Zoey. Their family enjoys the gift of homeschooling and treasures time spent adventuring together—especially during their annual trips to their favorite beach. Ben is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC). Over the years, he has worked in a wide variety of clinical settings, including inpatient crisis centers, outpatient community programs, long-term residential treatment facilities, and private practice. Guided by a strong calling from God, Ben remains passionate about walking alongside individuals on their journey toward healing and transformation. He is continually inspired by the resilience of those he serves and believes in the power of recovery—not only for individuals, but for families and communities as a whole.

Financially Sponsored By

  • Pathways Recovery Center
  • Country Road