Intro to Motivational Interviewing Skills with Trauma Survivors

Trauma survivors often appear “resistant,” “unmotivated,” or “avoidant,” when in reality they are protecting themselves from overwhelming emotional pain. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is uniquely designed to meet these clients with compassion, curiosity, and collaboration — reducing defensiveness while awakening their desire for healing.

This 5-hour workshop equips counselors to practice MI through a trauma-informed and spiritually sensitive lens. Participants will explore the MI Spirit, OARS core skills, the 8 Stages of Learning MI, and the Stages of Change as they apply to trauma survivors. Hands-on practice, live demonstrations, trauma-safe interventions, and integration with the 12STR® trauma recovery model make this a deeply practical, experiential training.

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Explain how trauma histories influence motivation, ambivalence, and survival responses, and describe how MI reduces resistance and increases emotional safety.