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How Clinicians Best Learn Motivational Interviewing

We found that the 2-day workshop in motivational interviewing (MI) resulted in significantly greater learning than when people tried to learn MI on their own from the textbook and videotapes. Furthermore, we found that either personal feedback or coaching significantly improved MI proficiency over that gained from the workshop.

Only the groups that received feedback or coaching (or both) reached the level of proficiency that is required to provide MI within clinical trials, with the largest gains shown on some measures by those who received both feedback and coaching. It makes sense, because feedback and coaching are two standard aids in learning a wide range of skills (golf, tennis, piano, public speaking, etc.).

Contact Dr. Carolina Yahne.