First off, I’m a counselor who practices MI daily. I’m passionate about viewing MI as a tool to foster and deepen human connection while exploring life changes. I primarily work with people who are living with substance use disorder (SUD) and their loved ones. In this context I practice MI to facilitate conversations on two sides of the same coin: 1. To explore substance use and treatment engagement with the person with SUD and 2. To explore how loved ones can find ways to show up as their best selves while trying to be helpful. I also offer interventions, facilitate support groups, and facilitate a weekly psyched group for loved ones of people with SUD.
Additionally- I have served as a consultant for businesses who rely on MI and its principles to establish a collaborative and supportive corporate culture. I enjoy working with anyone who is interested in creating positive places to work, creating high-functioning teams with high emotional intelligence, and creating opportunities for individual employees to explore growth within their current role and beyond.
As far as MI training goes- my philosophy is that people learn best when curious, interested, and invested in the topic at hand. And I believe all people have the capacity to explore and learn whatever they want to learn. For these reasons, I structure training around group dialogue and exercises that expose participants to what MI looks like and feels like in practice. While becoming proficient in MI takes time, it’s also my firm belief that people can start practicing MI immediately and see progress quickly.
