Integrating Motivational Interviewing Into Social Work Education: A Practical Example

ABSTRACT

This article describes an ongoing effort to train MSW students to practice motivational interviewing (MI) competently in the context of a university–community field education partnership model. Students in field placement are trained using the Motivational Interviewing Training and Assessment System and participate in a field seminar to hone MI proficiency. Mixed-methods preliminary evaluation data were collected to understand the impact of the training. Results suggest the Motivational Interviewing Training and Assessment System is promising for preparing social work students to use this evidence-supported practice competently. Implications from this practical example are discussed in relation to integrating an evidence-based practice such as MI into the social work curriculum.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Aidyn L. Iachini

Aidyn L. Iachini is Associate Professor at University of South Carolina. Jon Lee is Assistant Professor at University of Cincinnati. Rhonda DiNovo is Clinical Assistant Professor at University of South Carolina. Amy Lutz is Sergeant at Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Andy J. Frey is Full Professor at University of Louisville.