Governor's Institute
Governor's Institute
S5 E2: Motivational Interviewing for Adolescents: Components, Uses, and Training Resources
S5 E2: Motivational Interviewing for Adolescents: Components, Uses, and Training Resources
S5 E2: Motivational Interviewing for Adolescents: Components, Uses, and Training Resources
Wednesday 23rd July 2025
Explore motivational interviewing for adolescents with Peter Rives. Learn MI techniques to engage youth in behavior change and improve clinical outcomes.
55 minutes
hopeful
informative
encouraging
challenging
supportive
About this podcast
Author:
Governor's Institute
Overview:
Categories:
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Sobriety Toolkit
Family Recovery from Addiction
Body & Mind
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Episodes:
26 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Engaging Adolescents with Motivational Interviewing
Episode Overview
- Understand motivational interviewing basics.
- Learn practical MI techniques for adolescents.
- Explore challenges in adolescent substance use.
- Discover the importance of empathy in MI.
- Find resources for effective MI training.
You signed up for hard jobs to help support people in making behavior change. So the way that you make information palatable, especially for adolescents who don't like being lectured at, is say, hey, would it be okay if I gave you some ideas?
In this insightful episode of the Governor's Institute's Addiction Medicine Podcast, Peter Rives, a seasoned social worker and licensed clinical addiction specialist associate, delves into the world of motivational interviewing (MI) as a powerful tool for engaging adolescents in discussions about behavior change. Based on his presentation at the Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Conference, Peter outlines the core principles and spirit of MI, emphasizing its person-centered and collaborative approach.
He explains how MI can be particularly effective for young individuals who might be ambivalent or resistant to change. Peter brings a wealth of experience from his two decades of work in North Carolina's public mental health and substance use systems. He shares how MI has significantly enhanced his professional effectiveness and satisfaction, while also reducing burnout.
Although this podcast episode doesn't provide exhaustive MI training, Peter aims to pique listeners' interest in the fundamental components of MI, encouraging them to seek further learning and practice. A key aspect of MI is understanding and addressing ambivalence—a common obstacle in behavior change. Peter highlights the importance of empathy, compassion, and non-judgmental exploration in helping clients reconcile their hopes, dreams, and uncertainties.
He introduces the ORS acronym—open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries—as essential tools in MI, allowing practitioners to build rapport and meaningful connections with their clients. Peter stresses the necessity of practice in mastering MI, likening it to learning a new language. He recommends substantial training sessions, such as 10-hour introductory courses, and ongoing coaching for effective skill development. For those interested in self-study, he suggests motivationalinterviewing.org as a resource for finding trainers and training materials.
Listeners are encouraged to explore additional resources, such as the podcast "Talking to Change," which offers expert insights on applying MI in various settings. Peter invites listeners to reach out to him via his website for further engagement and information. Whether you're new to motivational interviewing or seeking a refresher, this episode provides valuable insights and practical tips to enhance your clinical practice and help adolescents navigate substance use challenges.