Motivational Interviewing

Wrestling with a big decision? Feeling pulled in opposite directions as one part wants to make a change while the other doesn't? Thinking of leaving your job, changing careers, or starting a company? Contemplating whether to smoke less weed or cigarettes? Through Motivational Interviewing, we'll work through ambivalence so you're no longer stuck or conflicted. We'll explore your reasons for change, problem solve barriers, and set you up for success.

I have been trained to help you through Motivational Interviewing to integrate specific goals for positive change and/or bring acceptance into your life. I offer detailed techniques to encourage you to achieve your stated desired behavior. I use our therapeutic relationship to empathetically confront your concerns, followed by Socratic questioning to help you discover your thought processes. We use your experiences to strategize solutions. The goal is to help you reinforce specific behaviors.

I am skilled in Motivational Interviewing (MI) because of my training and experience as a psychologist. This means I know how to help people talk through their feelings and make positive changes in their lives. I use MI techniques regularly to support my clients in overcoming doubts and taking steps toward their goals.

Ready for change? Not ready, but others are telling you you need to change? No matter where you are in your journey we can work with you to make small or large changes in your behavioral patterns to help with your every day functioning and relational issues

Everyone needs a little encouragement, especially when we are working toward our goals. I love implementing MI into treatment because it feels good to build my clients up and recognize their strengths. Sometimes we can get overwhelmed, lost in a lack of confidence, or become intimidated by what we face but this is a way I can help with that.

I have been using motivational interviewing for many years. Doing so enables me to approach people "where they are" as the contemplate behavior change. Depending on a person's stage of change I can help them accordingly.

I earned my certification from the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work in 2015. I have completed refresher courses annually and practice this evidence-based practice frequently with clients over the years. Since 2021, I have taught MSW and BASW level interns to incorporate elements of motivational interviewing as part of their practicum.

I express empathy through reflective listening to what consequences the client has created alone but whose disorder may convince him he has only partially created, and I will describe the discrepancy between clients' goals and the recent behavior, and being I have have many thousands of hours of this behind me, we avoid argument and dissolve the clients resistance to motivate them to begin the work towards dismantling their disorder piece by piece.

I use open-ended questions, affirmations, and reflective statements to elicit and enhance the client's own insights. By fostering a supportive and empowering environment, Motivational Interviewing encourages autonomy, self-efficacy, and a sense of ownership over the change process.

My expertise in Motivational Interviewing is a product of extensive training, practical experience, and a genuine commitment to facilitating change. With over 10 hours of specific training, I have honed the skills necessary to engage clients in meaningful conversations about their motivations and aspirations. By fostering a collaborative and empathetic therapeutic environment, I empower individuals to explore their options and take confident steps toward positive change in their lives.

Uncertainty and feeling stuck about your patterns is normal, and often frustrating. Learning and unlocking what motivates you is the key to your success. Seeing the positive side of your moods and behaviors is critical so you can recognize and keep your core values in place as you explore the methods that will help you make the changes you are looking for. Motivational interviewing is part of most sessions, to make sure you are in the driver's seat and get to choose what you want to work on.

With Motivational Interviewing (MI), I help you explore and resolve ambivalence toward change in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. This approach focuses on your strengths and intrinsic motivations, guiding you through open-ended questions to uncover your values and goals. Whether you're dealing with behavior change, addiction, or life transitions, MI empowers you to find your own motivation and build confidence to take positive, lasting steps toward the changes you desire.

Change is hard! And why shouldn't it be? As much as we may want to change things, it's also scary and frustrating. Let's talk about it.

Extensive MI training