Motivational Interviewing & the Power of Engaging
Registration has closed for the 2024 event. Mark your calendar now to join us in person next year, August 6–8, 2025 on the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus.
About the conference
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a highly flexible and powerful approach to helping practitioners address behavioral change for their clients and patients. MI is particularly useful because it can be applied to a variety of situations and settings, including behavioral health, human services, health care, education, corrections, business and more.
This summer, the University of Wisconsin–Madison invites you to explore how the practice of MI can improve your clients’ engagement, resulting in transformative outcomes.
The interactive Great Lakes Motivational Interviewing Conference will share best practices, build skills and promote interprofessional networking. Breakout sessions will be offered at various levels, targeting students, providers who are new to MI and seasoned practitioners.
As an attendee, you may receive up to 15 continuing education hours based on your registration selection. (Read more below.)
We look forward to welcoming you to the beautiful University of Wisconsin–Madison campus, where you can learn more about this evidence-based practice, hone your skills and network with other MI practitioners and trainers from the Midwest.
Conference learning objectives
- Describe the purpose, benefits and limitations of Motivational Interviewing
- Identify key concepts, attitudes, processes, skills and strategies of MI
- Identify best practices for using MI across professions
- Describe how MI can be used as part of an interprofessional team
- Plan how to incorporate MI skills into your professional practice
Who should attend
The conference is designed for beginning to advancing professionals working in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin (though those from other states are also welcome to attend), including but not limited to:
- Psychologists, counselors, therapists, behavioral health specialists
- Social workers, case managers, human services providers
- Correctional workers
- Educators
- Student affairs and youth services professionals
- Prevention specialists
- Managers and supervisors
- Physicians, nurses, other health care and allied health care providers
- Health and allied health undergraduate and graduate students
(To learn about our student registration rate, please email ashley.kuehl@wisc.edu).
Continuing Education hours
University of Wisconsin–Madison Continuing Studies is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. University of Wisconsin–Madison Continuing Studies maintains responsibility for the programs and their content.
Depending on your conference selections, you may receive up to 15 instructional hours as an attendee of this conference.
- American Psychological Association — Continuing Education hours: 15
- Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services — Substance Abuse Counselors Continuing Education hours: 15
- Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services — Marriage and Family Therapists Continuing Education hours: 15
- Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services — Social Workers Continuing Education hours: 15
- Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services — Licensed Professional Counselors Continuing Education hours: 15
“I believe that Motivational Interviewing has to be both taught AND caught. This conference delivered both of these experiences at a very high level that was informational, fun, and challenging.”
Scott Stoner, therapist/executive director
“The MI conference rejuvenated my passion for client-centered care and belief in the client’s ability to change. The conference included professionals who were able to articulate and model amazing use of MI skills.”
Lauren Hollie, social worker
“The 2023 Motivational Interviewing Conference was a transformative experience, especially as an aspiring medical student. Learning to engage and evoke self-awareness, bridge collaboration, and empower individuals was crucial in the clinical context. The emphasis on compassion, affirmation, and reflective statements provided tools to strengthen motivation, guide positive change, and align values. This conference has reshaped my approach, equipping me to connect empathetically and effectively as I work towards becoming a medical professional.”
Venkata Reshma Alla, pre-med student
“This [conference] course provided practical skills to integrate MI into leadership conversations. I have a better handle on the theories that intersect with MI in leadership and practical skills to begin using.”
Leah Voigt Potter, clinical administrator