Course Descriptions

Virtual Classrooms
– Basic Motivational Interviewing
– Advanced Motivational Interviewing
– Motivational Interviewing Refresher
– Coaching Sessions

In Person Training
– Basic Motivtional Interviewing
– Advanced Motivational Interviewing
– Motivational Interviewing (MI) For Supervisors
– Training for Trainers
– Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity (MITI) Coding and Coaching
– Motivational Interviewing Competenct Assessment (MICA)

– Real Colors Personality Instrument

– Trauma 101
– Intermediate Trauma Responsiveness

– SBIRT

For more information contact David Varalli.

Basic and Advanced MI Virtual Classroom Training – In this two-day training you will unlock the power of conversation and empower change . . . one conversation at a time. Whether you are a counselor, social worker, educator, healthcare provider, or manager, MI offers evidence-based techniques for effective, empathetic communication. You will learn about the spirit and principles of Motivational Interviewing, Core MI skills: open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries. You will also learn how to recognize and elicit change talk, strategies to address ambivalence, sustain talk and discord through our unique interactive learning experience which encompasses live classroom, large group activities, breakout rooms, handouts, polling, whiteboard and individual coaching.

The Motivational Interviewing Refresher course is designed to support the practitioner on his/her journey in acquiring MI “Proficiency” by boosting the skill level and reinforcing the method already begun in a Basic or Advanced student. Our refresher sessions are designed to fit that crucial need. We will help you to stay connected with MI, and offer extreme flexibility at an affordable cost. In one day we will cover topics that are essential to building your MI skills and offer you a chance to practice with our team of experts. Classes are also offered one (1) or two (2) hours a week for several weeks.

Basic and Advanced MI Coaching Sessions – Open to anyone who has completed Basic MI or Advanced MI training.  Could you benefit from practice, peer feedback, case scenario studies and MINT Member Trainer feedback?  What MI skills do you want to work on? We will partner with you to identify the topic and/or skills that you want to enhance. Individual or group sessions available. For more information contact David Varalli at [email protected].

Motivational Interviewing Basic – The participant is introduced to the “spirit”, history, four tasks and fundamental skills of Motivational Interviewing through lecture, role plays and a diverse training presentation. You will learn how to recognize and elicit change talk, strategies to address ambivalence, and about sustain talk and discord.

The Motivational Interviewing, fourth edition book is the text upon which all classes are based (Miller, Rollnick). Participants will have the opportunity to practice their new skills during this one to two-day session.

Motivational Interviewing Advanced – In this two (2) day training you will receive a review of Basic MI, plus a workshop to improve upon reflections and complex reflections. The advanced training also brings the full spectrum of Motivational Interviewing to a conclusion by means of creating a sample interview recording which can then be evaluated for further skill-building in the practice of MI. Often, feedback and evaluation are done remotely which essentially extends the training into an indefinite period beyond the classroom.

Training for Trainers – This three (3) day training provides further skill development to staff members to enable ongoing sustainability of Motivational Interviewing in your organization. We will help you identify internal candidates and provide an intense training experience that will leave them ready to train others in the practice of Motivational Interviewing. New staff, as well as those previously trained, will benefit from this teaching and coaching resource.

Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity (MITI) Coding and Coaching – As a recipient of MITI training from the instrument’s designer, Theresa B. Moyers, TVG offers review, coding and coaching of recorded samples to provide supervision and improvement in your MI skills. Currently using Manual “‘MITI 4.2.1” Once you have reached a level of proficiency, you will receive a certificate of achievement from David Varalli acknowledging your accomplishment! This can be done independently from formal classroom training at a time chosen by the practitioner.

MICA (Motivational Interviewing Competency Assessment) is a structured approach for evaluating an individual’s ability to apply the principles, spirit, and communication strategies of Motivational Interviewing (MI) in practice. It provides a framework for assessing whether a practitioner is using MI in a manner that is collaborative, person-centered, and supportive of an individual’s autonomy and motivation for change.

MICA focuses not only on what a practitioner says, but also on how they communicate. Effective MI involves creating a respectful partnership in which the individual feels heard, understood, and empowered to make their own decisions. The assessment therefore considers the practitioner’s ability to use MI-consistent communication while avoiding approaches that may create resistance, pressure, or confrontation.

Real Colors / Personality Instrument – Learn what your primary personality traits are and how you interact with others. In this fun, four (4) hour team building exercise, you will see how you can be best supported in your work environment as well as in your personal life. You will also learn how to best support others based upon their preferences as determined by their “Real Colors”. Facilitator(s) are NCTI certified facilitators of the curriculum.

For any questions on the above courses, email David Varalli at [email protected]

Introduction to Trauma-Informed Care
Trauma-Informed Care is an approach to engaging people with histories of trauma.  It teaches participants how to recognize trauma symptoms in themselves and others and acknowledges the role that trauma has played in their lives. This training is designed as a practical overview covering a basic understanding of trauma/adversity, how it is experienced, and the connection of trauma to substance use.

The objectives are: define different types of trauma, explain the findings of the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study, understand how trauma/adversity impacts individuals, discuss the relationship between trauma and substance use, identify symptoms of trauma that may indicate a trauma history via case study.

Intermediate Trauma Responsiveness – Skills and Practice

Going beyond the basics, this training gives you real skills to put your basic Trauma Informed Care training into practice. Utilizing the evidence-based communication tools in Motivational Interviewing and the Trauma-Informed Care principles, you will be better prepared to work with clients and avoid re-traumatization.

This is an intermediate level of training. It answers the question, “I have had trauma-informed care training; now what?“

Learn:

Practical Trauma Debriefing Skills to gain the confidence to work with distressed individuals. Sometimes you might be the first person they have ever told about their trauma, which can be profoundly triggering emotional experience.

Motivational Interviewing spirit (partnership, acceptance, compassion) and skills is a trauma informed approach, highlighting safety, trust, choice, and empowerment.

Increase Empathy and Compassion while maintaining professional Boundaries.

Recognize Vicarious Trauma and Empathy Fatigue symptoms and turn them into Vicarious Resilience. Allowing us to focus on their strengths and what they have overcome rather than what is wrong with them.

Emotional regulation is an essential trauma-responsive skill when working with those with a trauma history. Resting calm, centered, and grounded when others are ramping up allows the individual to regulate and gain control over their emotions. Trust and safety are established during this process, which leads to better engagement and retention.

Presenters: Sandra Rivers MA, CASAC-M, MINT Member

Lisa Ardner MA, CASAC-M, CARC, Certified MINT Trainer

Who should attend:
Criminal Justice Professionals, Human Services Providers, Medical Professionals, Managers/Supervisors

SBIRT – Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment
This SAMSHA sponsored training provides an introduction to brief motivational interviewing interventions in a variety of health care fields. TVG can assist your faculty, students and managers in this model of evaluation and treatment.

For more information on any of the above courses contact David Varalli at [email protected].