Counselling Skills and Client Relations
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Motivational Interviewing

Communicating to Support Change

People change best when they feel understood and motivated. This training teaches motivational interviewing techniques that help clients explore ambivalence and build commitment to change.

Start Learning View Upcoming Dates
Available for Private Delivery
Certificate Included

Motivational Interviewing Skills for Behaviour Change

It is common for people to struggle and experience ambivalence when considering making a change or when others may be expecting them to make one. When helpers encounter this ambivalence with their clients, it is often interpreted as resistance, and they may feel unable to respond in an effective way.

Motivational interviewing can help because it is a communication style and way of being with clients that helps them find their internal motivation for solving problems. By exploring the framework and strategies of motivational interviewing, you will learn new ways to facilitate the change process in the people you support. You will gain practical strategies that start from a place of empathy and draw on the client’s personal motivation to create their own goals for change.

Learning Objectives

Explain the guiding philosophy and essential elements of motivational interviewing
Describe and apply the four processes that structure a motivational interview
Demonstrate and practice motivational interviewing skills
Analyze the role of ambivalence in the change process
Identify and elicit change talk
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Professionals Trained
4.7 Stars
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Organizations Served

Choose Your Format

Training options built for real-world needs.

Most Popular

On-Demand Workshop

Recorded workshop for flexible, self‑paced learning.

$149
/ per person
Start right away – no scheduling required
Learn at your own pace, in manageable sections
Follow along with a full downloadable manual
Earn a certificate and continuing education credits
Access anytime, on any device
Share access across your team for consistent learning
Start Learning

Live Virtual Workshop

Interactive sessions with experienced facilitators.

From $309
/ per person
Learn from an experienced facilitator
Ask questions and get real-time guidance
Connect and learn alongside peers
Engage in discussions and practical exercises
Earn 6 CECs per day of training
Receive a certificate upon completion
View Upcoming Dates

Private Training

1 day

Personalized training solutions for your team.

Starting at
$3500
per session

Additional Options

On-Demand Webinar

Condensed training in a video format.
Manual

Standalone written learning resource.

What You'll Learn

Walk away with the knowledge and tools to make a meaningful difference. The objectives below outline what you'll be equipped to do after completing this training.

Motivational Interviewing Foundations

Learn core MI principles.

Reflective Listening

Practice empathy-based listening.

Evoking Change Talk

Learn strategies to encourage motivation.

Handling Resistance

Respond to ambivalence respectfully.

Goal Setting

Support realistic planning.

Applying MI Tools

Integrate MI into your practice.

Our Approach

Grounded in research, practical application, and real‑world experience.

Accessible

Clear, approachable learning without unnecessary jargon.

Applicable

Content designed for real‑world challenges and opportunities.

Engaging

Facilitators bring content to life through stories and examples.

Practical

Skills and tools designed for everyday use in your setting.

What People Are Saying

Insights from our participants.

"

It's not always easy to facilitate a six-hour session, but it flew by. Perfectly timed, packed with useful, relevant information, curated to address the unique needs of our group."

K. Decle

University of British Columbia, Office of Student Academic Services

"

This was one of the best trainings our organization has had. Staff were so engaged and came away energized and excited rather than tired and drained."

T. Etienne

Portal Youth Outreach Association

"

CTRI is a great source for learning. They were easy to work with and our facilitator presented in an engaging and interactive way that kept people interested and attentive."

J. Grimes

Optimism Place Women's Shelter and Support Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the training.

This training is for:

Mental health professionals
Social services and community‑based professionals
First responders and emergency services
Health care workers and support staff
School and post‑secondary personnel
Leaders, managers, and supervisors
Human resources and people operations teams
Employees in corporate or business settings
Anyone working in people‑centred or support roles

What is motivational interviewing?

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Motivational interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, person-centred counselling approach that helps people explore and resolve ambivalence about change, building their own motivation to move forward.

Who is this training for?

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This training is designed for counsellors, social workers, health care providers, and anyone who supports people navigating decisions about change in their lives.

How is MI different from traditional counselling?

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MI is specifically focused on the conversation that happens before change – when someone is uncertain, resistant, or not yet committed. It draws on reflective listening and open questions rather than advice or persuasion.

Does this training include hands-on practice?

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Yes. Participants practice MI techniques through exercises and role-play scenarios to build confidence and skill in change conversations.

Is this training available online or on-demand?

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Yes. CTRI offers this workshop in live, on-demand, and private formats. View current dates or contact us to arrange a private session.

Can MI be used alongside other counselling approaches?

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Yes. MI integrates well with many approaches, including CBT, solution-focused therapy, and trauma-informed practice. The workshop helps participants understand how to use MI as part of a broader toolkit.

Strengthen Conversations That Support Change

Learn motivational interviewing skills that help clients work through ambivalence and build commitment to meaningful change. View training options or bring this workshop to your team.

Start Learning View Upcoming Dates

Available for Private Delivery

Certificate Included

Private Training

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Custom Training for Your Team

We can deliver any of our training for your group, on your schedule.

How it works

  • Step 1 — Contact us to discuss your needs and choose a topic.
  • Step 2 — Talk pricing, and we'll work out a detailed proposal.
  • Step 3 — Confirm the details such as the facilitator and training date.

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