Overview
Motivational Interviewing (MI) Practice Through A Maco Lens
This course explores how Motivational Interviewing (MI) can be applied beyond traditional therapy settings. Learners will examine how MI supports change in organizational, educational, child welfare, and criminal justice environments. The course also introduces Macro MI, an emerging hybrid approach that expands MI practice beyond a client’s internal thoughts and emotions to include the broader systems, such as family, community, and organizations that influence behavior. By taking this more holistic view, practitioners can better understand presenting concerns and identify more effective, environmentally responsive interventions.
Target Audience
Behavioral health professionals new to Motivational Interviewing and those interested in expanding their skills using a Macro MI lens.
Modality
This course consists of four online, self-paced modules, each approximately 1 hour in length, for an estimated total of 4 hours. Participants must complete all 4 modules, a post-test, and a course evaluation to receive a certificate of completion. This course takes approximately 4 hours to complete.
Policies and ADA Accessibility
If you require any of the auxiliary aids or services identified in the Americans with Disabilities Act in order to participate in this program, please call us at (919) 843-6083, or e-mail us at bhs-support@unc.edu. Websites and courses have been developed in compliance of US Section 508 standards where applicable or meeting W3C priority 1 guidelines for web accessibility.
Please send all questions, concerns, and support inquiries to:
bhs-support@unc.edu
Training Details
Module 1: Introduction to MI Practice Through A Macro Lens
This module will walk the learner through the skills, processes, and tasks when using Motivational Interviewing and will also introduce the learner to the newly evolving hybrid approach of Motivational Interviewing called Macro MI. It will explore the utility of Motivational Interviewing in broader contexts and how Motivational Interviewing and Macro MI can be used in organizational, education, child welfare, and criminal justice settings
Learning Outcomes
Learners who complete this module will be able to
1. Understand the importance of examining the influence, interconnectedness, and interdependence of complex systems in an individual’s environment
2. Apply systems frameworks and Motivational Interviewing skills to engage in the change process at both the micro and macro levels
Module 2: Motivational Interviewing in Schools
This module reviews recent evidence on the effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing (MI) in school-based settings. Research shows that MI can improve academic, behavioral, and health outcomes for school-aged children when delivered by appropriately trained interventionists (with about 28+ hours of MI training) in either individual or group formats. The module also highlights how applying OARS, the Spirit of MI, and the four tasks, especially within Macro MI, can help validate students’ cultural identities and support meaningful engagement and exploration.
Learning Outcomes
Learners who complete this module will be able to
1. Understand how macro level systems and forces affect student success
2. Apply macro-level approaches to school-based settings to assess student presenting issues and strengths
3. Use Macro MI skills through the process of change
Module 3: Motivational Interviewing With Justice Involved Individuals
This module introduces the role of Motivational Interviewing (MI) in forensic and offender rehabilitation settings. Over time, these systems have shifted from primarily punitive approaches toward strategies that emphasize restoration, rehabilitation, and active engagement in change. Because MI is collaborative, empathetic, and affirming, it aligns well with restorative justice principles. In offender rehabilitation, practitioners work toward three key goals: promoting community safety, supporting rehabilitation, and improving successful re-entry. MI helps balance accountability with effective support by recognizing that lasting compliance depends on meaningful, prosocial behavior change driven by the individual’s own motivation
Learning Outcomes
Learners who complete this module will be able to
1. Understand how macro level systems and forces affect justice involved individuals
2. Apply macro level approaches to justice based settings to assess individual and system functioning
3. Understand the benefits and contraindications of using MI in justice-based settings
4. Use Macro MI skills to guide justice involved individuals on their journey to change and growth
Module 4: Motivational Interviewing In Organizations
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an emerging approach for supporting organizational change. Growing evidence suggests MI can help leaders communicate more effectively during change, strengthen employee readiness, and support the adoption of evidence-based practices. Leaders can use the Spirit of MI, core principles, and the four MI tasks to promote growth at both the employee and organizational levels. In this module, learners will examine when MI is most useful for managers and senior leaders and when it may be less appropriate in organizational settings. Through two case studies, participants will apply a Macro MI lens to support change and growth at both the employee and organizational levels.
Learning Outcomes
Learners who complete this module will be able to
1. Understand how macro level systems and forces affect the success of employee and organizational change efforts
2. Apply macro level approaches to organizations to assess employee presenting issues and strengths and client outcomes
3. Use Macro MI skills through the process of change for both employees and the organization
Register
- Please be sure to be logged on to the BHS site.
- Click the button below "Take Me to the Course" to enter the course. The course will open in a new tab.
- You can always re-visit the course by visiting your "My Courses" tab on your account page.
Continuing Education
UNC SSW has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6642. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. UNC SSW is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. The successful completion of this online course qualifies for 5 contact hours.
This course is approved by the North Carolina Addiction Specialist Professional Practice Board for 4 GSB contact hours. Approval #26-252-G.
