The essentials of Motivational Interviewing (MI) - an evening lecture by Dr Eileen Britt

Join us for an evening with Dr. Eileen Britt as she introduces the essentials of Motivational Interviewing (MI).  Research shows that MI is effective in facilitating behaviour change (including with dentistry) by building and strengthening motivation for change.  Additionally, MI enhances patient engagement, fosters a collaborative patient-provider relationship, enhances patient and practitioner satisfaction, and empowers patients to take charge of their health. This talk offers an opportunity to reflect on and enhance your communication skills and potentially discover a new approach to patient care.

Learning Outcomes:

• To experience the basics of MI and decide level of interest in learning more.
• Understand the fundamental spirit and process of MI.
• Learn practical strategies for giving advice and for assessing and building motivation.

For ADA Members and their staff.

About our speaker:  Dr Eileen Britt

“Through my research and teaching I seek to make a difference, and to develop students who in turn will be people prepared to make a difference.”

Eileen Britt is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers, an international collective of MI trainers (MINT) who promote excellence in the training, research, practice and implementation of Motivational Interviewing (MI). Eileen is also a MINT Certified MI Trainer.

Based in Christchurch, where she is a Professor in the School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing at the University of Canterbury (UC), she has worked as a Clinical Psychologist in mental health, health, criminal justice and research settings.

In her role at UC, Eileen teaches MI to postgraduate clinical psychology students, and psychiatric registrars, and in the past has also taught dietetic and health science students. She conducts research on MI, including: its use with different populations (e.g., youth and adults with diabetes); as a pre-treatment engagement intervention (e.g., for youth with mental health disorders or perpetrators of intimate partner violence); in different settings (e.g., sports coaching and Work and Income); it's mechanisms of change; and the training of MI. Eileen is also one of the authors of Takitaki Mai: A guide to Motivational Interviewing for Māori practitioners.

In addition, Eileen provides MI training (introductory to advanced), supervision and coaching, and coding training for a range of NGO services, governmental and professional organisations. In 2022 Eileen was the recipient of a National teaching award - Te Whatu Kairangi