Motivational Interviewing in IDD

Outline:
Section 1: Introduction to Motivational Interviewing

What Is Motivational Interviewing?

The Evolution of MI

MI in Supported Employment

The Basics of MI

The “Spirit” of MI

The Guiding Principles

The Stages of Change

Core Strategies in MI

The Ask-Tell-Ask Approach

OARS: Core Communication Skills

Knowledge Check

Key Takeaways

Section 2: Using MI With Job Seekers

The Role of Motivation in Employment

Exploring Feelings of Uncertainty

Using OARS to Navigate Change

Greg and Amani: An MI Conversation in Action

Share Information Using Ask-Tell-Ask

Supporting Job Seekers at Different Stages of Change

Knowledge Check

Key Takeaways

Section 3: Using MI With Employers

Understanding Employer Concerns

Using MI to Motivate Change

Using OARS to Understand and Address Employer Concerns

Share Information Using Ask-Tell-Ask

Greg Uses MI to Address an Employer’s Concern

Knowledge Check

Key Takeaways

Section 4: Conclusion

Course Summary

Course Contributors

Resource

References

Jessica is a SME Writer at Relias. Her primary writing responsibilities are in the Health and Human Services vertical, in the content area of intellectual and developmental disabilities. Jessica received her Bachelor of Science in Health Science, with a concentration in Disability Studies and Human Development, from Stony Brook University. She has over eight years of experience serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their supporters, including roles as a direct support professional, case manager, and qualified professional. Her experiences and coursework over the years have allowed her to develop a strong knowledge of person-centered planning and care, community resources, and service delivery.

Kathryn earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from West Virginia University and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Clinical Social Work Supervisor in North Carolina. Kathryn has served on the NASW-NC Chapter Board of Directors and held leadership roles with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention-NC Chapter, including board member and president. As board president and co-chair of the Charlotte Out of the Darkness Walk, she led the chapter to national recognition. She is the founder of Forsythia Counseling, PLLC, in Charlotte, NC, and serves as a Behavioral Health Subject Matter Expert at Relias. With a background in psychotherapy, education, and advocacy in integrated care and community mental health, Kathryn has trained healthcare professionals in Motivational Interviewing, Mental Health First Aid, QPR Suicide Prevention, and other crisis interventions. Her work reflects a strong commitment to behavioral health and the professional development of those in the field.