Motivational Interviewing

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based, person-centered approach that helps people explore change, strengthen their own motivation and build confidence in achieving their goals. Rather than telling someone what to do, MI creates a collaborative conversation that honors each person’s strengths, values and lived experiences.

At The Home for Little Wanderers, we ground MI in cultural humility and a deep respect for each individual’s unique journey. Our staff partner with young people and families to identify what matters most to them, empowering them to make impactful changes at their own pace.

Our approach is also informed by Ecosystems Theory, recognizing that every person is shaped by the systems around them—including family, peers, neighborhoods and broader social structures.

Building on these principles, The Home incorporates an evolving practice known as Macro Motivational Interviewing (Macro MI). Macro MI expands traditional MI by considering how historical and current experiences of marginalization, systemic inequities and community resilience influence a person’s life. By understanding these broader contexts, our clinicians are able to provide more responsive support that recognizes both the challenges individuals face and the strengths they bring.

This holistic approach helps ensure that every conversation acknowledges the whole person—not just their goals, but also the environments, relationships and experiences that shape them.

TRAINING OFFERINGS

Applying Motivational Interviewing: From Individual Skill-Building to Systemic Advocacy

This two-day training introduces trainees to core foundation of MI skills and examines the many systems with which clients interact in order to support a deeper understanding of the client, within the context of their experience of historical and current marginalization and community resiliency.  Attendees will examine Macro MI-specific applications of the Spirit of MI, the Four Tasks, and OARS. They will also assess systemic stressors and strengths, use this knowledge to increase client safety, broker connection to community change agents, and identify opportunities for policy-level change.

Macro Motivational Interviewing with Families

This two-hour workshop is grounded in the principles of Macro MI and Family Systems Therapy. Through group discussion, participants will examine how various systems shape families’ lives, deepening their understanding of how marginalization, as well as community resilience, influence family dynamics.  Systemic approaches invite participants to focus on interactional patterns that sustain family conflict or family well-being. Finally, participants will explore how social context influences these interactional patterns. 

Motivational Interviewing Skills

These shorter workshops, running 90 minutes to two hours long, are each dedicated to exploring a specific MI skill and designed for individuals with previous experience with MI as a refresher on a skill or a skill in a specific context.