Introduction to Motivational Interviewing Training
Learn Motivational Interviewing Through Practice
Introduction to Motivational Interviewing Training works best when you experience MI, practise the skills and reflect on what happens in the conversation.
Our Introduction to Motivational Interviewing training provides a practical and experiential foundation in MI, an evidence-based approach used internationally across health, social care and other helping professions.
The training suits practitioners, managers and teams working across health, social care, mental health, substance use, education, youth work and criminal justice. We deliver programmes online and face to face across the UK and Ireland.
PHA-Funded Introduction to Motivational Interviewing Training
Practitioners and leaders across Northern Ireland who support people affected by substance use, mental health challenges, suicidal ideation and smoking can apply for this three-day online Motivational Interviewing (MI) training.
Each course runs from 9.30am to 4.30pm and combines theory, demonstration and practice. Participants explore the evidence base for MI and develop core skills through guided exercises. They also consider how to apply these skills in everyday conversations with clients and teams.
Across the three days, participants will:
- Explore the spirit and principles of MI, including partnership, acceptance, compassion and empowerment.
- Practise essential MI skills, including reflective listening, affirming, summarising and strengthening change talk.
- Learn to recognise and respond to ambivalence and sustain talk while maintaining engagement, empathy and partnership.
- Apply MI skills and processes to real-world conversations about substance use, mental health and smoking cessation.
The programme supports practitioners, managers and leaders to develop their confidence and skill in using MI. Participants practise together, take part in small-group discussions, observe demonstrations and reflect on their learning.
The Public Health Agency (PHA) fully funds this training for eligible participants in Northern Ireland. Places are limited, and applicants must meet the eligibility requirements outlined below.
Upcoming PHA-Funded MI Training Dates
PHA-funded training dates are currently available from September 2026 to February 2027.
Each programme consists of three full days of live online training, from 9.30am to 4.30pm each day.
Select your preferred training dates to view the course details and complete your application. Places are limited and applications are considered against the PHA eligibility criteria.
Who Can Apply for PHA-Funded MI Training?
PHA-funded Motivational Interviewing training is available to practitioners, managers and leaders working in Northern Ireland who support people affected by substance use, mental health challenges, suicidal ideation or smoking.
Applicants should be in a role where they can use Motivational Interviewing in their work with individuals, families, groups or teams. As places are funded and limited, applications are reviewed to ensure that they meet the Public Health Agency eligibility requirements.
Before You Apply
The programme consists of three full days of live online training. Applicants should ensure they can attend all three training days before applying.
The training is experiential and includes discussion, demonstrations, skills practice and small-group activities. Participants should therefore be prepared to take an active part throughout the programme.
If you are unable to attend all three dates for your chosen cohort, please select another programme where you can attend the full training.
Motivational Interviewing Training for Your Organisation
If you are looking for Motivational Interviewing training for a team or organisation, I also provide commissioned programmes across the UK and Ireland. Training can be tailored to your service context, workforce and learning needs, with options for introductory training, skills development and ongoing implementation support.
You can also explore our Motivational Interviewing Skills and Practice Guide for further learning and practical resources.
