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Geddes to host motivation workshop by Chris West Public Relations After a year of training, a faculty instructor in the Institute of Psychiatry (IOP) has joined the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers and will explore with interested health care practitioners what motivates people to change. Don Geddes, M.Ed., will be hosting a workshop on Motivational Interviewing (MI) which is a directive, client-centered counseling style for eliciting behavior change by helping clients to explore and resolve ambivalence. Stephen Rollnick, Ph.D., of Whitchurch Hospital in Cardiff, Wales, and William Miller, Ph.D., of the University of New Mexico, were the pioneers of Motivational Interviewing which evolved from experience in the treatment of problem drinkers, but is currently being applied in diverse areas such as domestic violence, weight management, exercise adherence, medications compliance, cardiovascular rehabilitation and safe water in the developing world. Ambivalence, which is often seen as a roadblock can actually be a catalyst for change. Understanding ambivalence is the heart of the problem addressed in Motivational Interviewing. “By utilizing the principles of MI, health care providers can facilitate the change process and enhance their existing skills. But it is more than just a series of techniques, it is an interactive style where change is elicited from the client,” Geddes said. “And after participating in the workshop, health care providers will better understand a client’s self-motivational statements or “change talk;” this is an essential ingredient in the process of change.” The principles of motivational interviewing are patient-directed and make them feel “listened to, cared for and able to be helped.” One way to achieve this is to express empathy. This recognizes ambivalence as normal and creates a safe environment for clients to express and confront conflicts. Developing discrepancy addresses where the client is currently and establishes a goal to where they would like to be. This is the beginning of unraveling the problematic behavior and the opportunity for the client to envision where they would like to ultimately end up after treatment. Another principle is to minimize resistance between the client and facilitator and work towards a common goal. According to Miller and Rollnick, “The therapeutic relationship is more like dancing than wrestling; affirming the client's freedom of choice and self-direction.” “Persuasion does not elicit change,” Geddes said.  The motivational interviewing workshop will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sept. 28 in the IOP Weight Management Conference Room. It will include topics on becoming motivationally informed, motivation to change, identifying stages of change, OARS and principles of motivational interviewing. OARS, an acronym for open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections and summarization, is one model for treatment sessions.  “The workshop will be interactive,” Geddes said. “Participants will interact with each other and be directly involved. It will not be a lecture-based workshop, they will be participating to see and feel the potential positive results of the method.” Geddes has been at MUSC for eight years and has more than 20 years experience as a counselor. He previously served as treatment director for Berkeley and Charleston County Substance Abuse Commissions. Geddes recommends to all those interested in MI and this workshop to visit the web page <http://www.motivational interview.org>. He hopes the training will lead to future workshops and seminars on the topic. “Four hours is not enough time to cover the available potential of MI,” Geddes said. Questions regarding the workshop should be directed to Geddes at 792-5200 or for a conference brochure call Phil Macaione at 792-5950.