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ATTENDANCE POLICY

Learners who complete this 2-hour course will receive a certificate of completion from the Academy.

 

DESCRIPTION

This hands-on virtual workshop goes beyond foundational open question training to help learners develop precision and intentionality in using this core Motivational Interviewing skill. Participants will move from mechanical question-asking to strategic, purposeful engagement that deepens the quality of their client conversations and builds stronger therapeutic alliances.

We will explore when to use and when not to use open questions. We will practice two advanced applications of open questions that are often overlooked in standard MI training: using questions strategically to provide direction in conversations, and crafting specific questions that create space for deeper client reflection. Through multiple practice rounds with structured debriefs, participants will strengthen transferable skills for your real-world practice.

This workshop is open to all who want to use open questions more skillfully, regardless of your MI experience level.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Participants will:

• Intentionally and strategically use open questions to move conversations forward rather than defaulting to them automatically
• Apply open questions to provide direction when needed
• Craft specific open questions that slow client thinking and deepen self-reflection
• Recognize when open questions are being overused and identify alternative MI skills that may be more effective
• Integrate intentional question-asking into daily practice with clients

WHAT TO EXPECT

This is a highly interactive virtual workshop; most of the session will be spent in practice exercises and debriefs guided by the instructor, with minimal didactic content. It emphasizes experiential learning through practice with real (not role-played) content. Participants will work in small groups in breakout rooms for multiple practice rounds with rotating roles. Participants should come prepared to practice skills with cameras and microphones on, share authentic personal reflections, and give/receive supportive feedback in their breakout groups.

Because this course is so interactive, capacity is limited. Please only register at this time if you can commit to:

• Attend the full session
• Participate on camera
• Participate in small and large group practice activities and debriefs. This will require speaking using your computer microphone.

It is not possible to participate in this skill-building workshop off-camera or only via chat.

ELIGIBILITY

Academy courses are open to non-profit care providers who deliver social services or behavioral health care in New York City.

This includes, but is not limited to, staff of: community-based organizations, government agencies, and public hospitals, along with members of mutual aid groups, community gardens, NYCHA resident committees, and more.

This course is open to learners with any level of Motivational Interviewing (MI) experience, including those who want to strengthen or refresh specific MI skills and those who are new to MI.