Since 2023, the Central East ATTC, in partnership with the West Virginia Bureau of Behavioral Health (BBH), has been providing intensive Motivational Interviewing (MI) training for behavioral health professionals residing in the Mountain State. MI is “a collaborative, goal-oriented style of communication with particular attention to the language of change.” (Miller & Rollnick, 2013, p. 29)

MI supports individuals in addiction and mental health treatment and recovery by strengthening their motivation for change, reducing resistance, and fostering self-efficacy. It helps resolve ambivalence, enhances engagement in care, and reinforces personal autonomy. By promoting open, nonjudgmental conversations, MI empowers individuals to navigate challenges, sustain recovery, and build lasting change.

The MI "Build the Bench" Project is training and qualifying participants to become members of MINT (Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers). These individuals will “build the bench” of MI trainers in the state of West Virginia, increasing our region’s capacity to provide this skill and expertise within their own organizations and within other substance use, mental health and healthcare organizations.

By the end of the intensive training (depending on proficiency), applicants will be able to:

1. Sustain an MI consistent conversation for 20 minutes
2. Make a successful application to join the MINT
3. Develop a teaching method that fits the applicant’s own style
4. Teach MI in an MI consistent way
5. Promote the benefits of using an MI approach to groups
6. Develop a successful program to teach and coach MI

We’re excited to increase the capacity of the workforce (i.e. “build the bench”) of qualified MI trainers for now and the future!

Participant Testimonials

“In my experience, I feel as though Motivational Interviewing has the potential to greatly impact multiple sectors focusing on health and wellness. It has been an absolute privilege to work with Sky Kershner, our only remaining MINT member in the state. His guidance, support, and expertise in the field has been invaluable to my profession and goals. The 'Build the Bench' project is designed to create a ripple effect to serve not only individuals seeking help, but also those who are providing help. I am deeply appreciative of those involved in this training project and hope to continue to be a part of that ripple effect in some way."

~ Kimberly M., Health Services

"I appreciate the ability to be part of the teaching/coaching experience. What's the most useful is amplifying and augmenting motivational interviewing skills to meet the needs of a broad patient population including behavioral health, substance use, and supporting overall wellness." 

~ Anonymous

References:

• Miller WR, Rollnick S. (2023). Motivational Interviewing, Fourth Edition: Helping People Change. New York, NY: Guilford Press.
• Rosengren, D. (2017). Building Motivational Interviewing Skills. Second Edition. New York, NY: Guilford Press.
• Rollnick S, Miller WR, Butler CC. (2007). Motivational Interviewing in Health Care: Helping Patients Change Behavior. New York, NY: Guilford Press.
• Arkowitz H, Miller WR, Rollnick S. (2017). Motivational Interviewing in the Treatment of Psychological Problems. Second Edition. New York, NY: Guilford Press.
• Wagner CC, Ingersoll KS. (2012). Motivational Interviewing in Groups. New York, NY: Guilford Press.