Can behavior change strategies support the use of motivational interviewing?

What is it about?

Even after comprehensive training, health and human service professionals often struggle to bring motivational interviewing (MI) into their daily practice. To help close this well‑known gap between learning and doing, we created a supportive program designed to strengthen behavior change and the real-world use of MI. At the heart of the program was a behavior change based workbook incorporating practical strategies (goal setting, planning, and self‑monitoring) combined with structured peer group meetings that offered a space for reflection and shared learning. We followed 33 social workers over a two‑month MI training to understand how they engaged with these tools and whether greater engagement translated into improvement in MI skills. Participants completed surveys, and their real or simulated client conversations were assessed before and after the program using a standardized coding system. The findings were encouraging. About half of the participants found the workbook helpful, while the rest experienced difficulties using it. The use of the workbook and peer group support showed a positive, though modest, association with skill improvement. These results suggest that thoughtfully designed behavior change support can enrich traditional MI training and enhance practitioners’ skills.

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Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com M on Unsplash

Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com M on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This work highlights an essential insight: effective training is not just about transferring knowledge, it's about fostering lasting behavior change. By integrating concrete behavior change techniques and peer support into MI training, we can help professionals move from understanding MI to using it in their everyday interactions.