Join us as we examine the theory behind this client centered approach to working with individuals to help them prepare for and commit to making change. Motivational Interviewing is an evidence-based therapeutic technique designed to help people identify their readiness, willingness and ability to make meaningful change in their lives. We will talk about techniques to draw out people in order to find out their motivations and help them become empowered to make change to meet their own goals rather than trying to externally mandate change. This introduction will involve a number of exercises to help distinguish the practice of Motivational Interviewing from other types of therapy or psychoeducation. Motivational interviewing can be added into other models to reduce attrition and increase the likelihood of participants’ success.