Motivational Interviewing Tools for Trainers and Learners 

This growing list of training and learning tools is intended to aid in the instruction and learning of MI. Resources created by Jesse Berg are covered by Creative Commons Copyright and can be used free of charge for your learning and training purposes. Using Jesse Berg's materials for commercial use without permission is expressly prohibited. Please always cite Jesse when using documents he has created. 

MI Tools

MI Core Concepts
An overview of the 4 processes of MI, the MI Spirit and OARS-G Skills.
Traps to Engagement
A List of the Traps to Engagement in MI on the motivationalinterview.net site.
Conversational Style Self Inventory
This is a helpful tool to explore one's own conversational/clinical approach using the following-guiding-directing continuum.
Motivational Interviewing Self Tracker (MIST)
This tool is intended to help new learners code their own MI conversation and reflect on strengths and areas of growth. 

​Reflections & MI Skills

Anatomy of a Reflection
A simple visual guide to the basics of a complex reflections
Reflection Breakdown Worksheet
An step-by-step activity that incorporates change goal, change talk and reflections.
Double Sided Reflection
An overview of the double sided reflection. 
Elicit Provide Elicit
An overview of the EPE method of providing information.
MI Agenda Mapping Guide
A guide to help with the process of agenda mapping in a motivational interviewing style.
Ten Strategies for Evoking Change Talk
One page document on the MINT site that lists 10 strategies for evoking change talk.
Applying MI Skills
A worksheet designed to help the learner craft skillful MI skills for real-life scenarios.
MI During Phone Calls
An overview of 10 tips for having successful MI conversations over the phone.

Spirit of MI

CAPE Tool
This tool can be helpful when exploring how a clinician used the spirit of MI during a difficult situation. Areas of strength and growth can be identified, and next steps with the client can more clearly be determined. ​

Tracking/Coding 

Shadowing Template 
This template is useful structure for documenting a shadowing of a staff member and providing structured feedback.
Change Talk Tracker
A tool for observing and tracking change talk and sustain talk.

Mindfulness Tools

The MIndful Trainer
A document exploring the use of brief mindfulness activities in MI trainings. 
Mindfulness Phone Apps
A comparative table of the various apps available for smart phones.
Meditation Types
A document outlining the 3 major subtypes of meditation.
Meditation Guide
A step by step meditation guide based on Master Hsing Yun's book "Only a Great Rain."
Supervision Skills
Supervision Planner
An agenda setting tool for supervision that draws on the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
Motivational Interviewing Practice Blueprint (MI-PB)
A blueprint for providing coaching and feedback to MI learners (Allison, 2016)

Other Tools

Validation Flower
A visual demonstration of Lineham's 6 Levels of Validation with OARS
Understanding Concepts of Validation, Affirmation and Appreciation
An overview of these three concepts.
Trauma Informed Care and Motivational Interviewing
A demonstration of the overlaps between TIC and MI
Why Bad Trainings Happen to Good Causes
The Good Man Center
Clinical Skills Inventory
A quick reference to selected skills used in MI, CBT, DBT, MBSR and TIC
Principles of Respectful Dialogue and LARA Communication
Don Pelz & Anne Remleuy

CLARA 2.0 Communication
Jesse Berg
Logistical Tools
Evaluation Form
This is the Evaluation Form used in Jesse's Trainings
Sample CEU Application Supplement
A generic supplement to help host agencies in applying for social work continuing education credit.