Professional Certificate in Motivational Interviewing for Mental Health Support
Published on June 14, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today we're talking with Dr. Jane Smith, a seasoned mental health professional and the instructor of the new course, "Professional Certificate in Motivational Interviewing for Mental Health Support." Dr. Smith, can you tell us what motivated you to create this course? GUEST: Absolutely! I've seen how motivational interviewing can transform the therapeutic relationship, helping clients find their inner strength to make positive changes. I wanted to share these powerful techniques with other mental health professionals. HOST: That's wonderful. Now, how does motivational interviewing differ from other approaches in mental health support? GUEST: Motivational interviewing is a client-centered approach that empowers clients to overcome ambivalence and take an active role in their recovery. It's about building rapport and fostering self-efficacy, rather than imposing change from the outside. HOST: Interesting. Could you share any current trends in motivational interviewing or mental health support that you've noticed? GUEST: Certainly. Teletherapy and online mental health services are growing rapidly, making it crucial for professionals to master remote motivational interviewing techniques. HOST: That's a great point. What challenges have you encountered while teaching this subject, or that your students face when learning it? GUEST: The main challenge is shifting from a directive approach to a more collaborative, client-centered style. It requires practice and patience, but the rewards are well worth the effort. HOST: Definitely. Lastly, where do you see the future of motivational interviewing and mental health support heading? GUEST: I believe we'll continue to see more personalized, whole-person approaches that honor clients' autonomy and self-determination. Motivational interviewing will remain a key component of these strategies. HOST: Dr. Smith, thank you for sharing your insights and for creating such a valuable course. We're excited to see the positive impact it will have on mental health professionals and their clients. GUEST: Thank you for having me. I'm confident that this course will help mental health professionals make a real difference in their clients' lives.
