Motivational Interviewing

Help prevent alcohol-exposed pregnancies through empowering conversations.
Promote healthy pregnancies. Start the conversation.

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a brief, evidence-based, non-judgmental approach for talking with a person about change.

“MI is about arranging conversations so that people talk themselves into change, based on their own values and interests.”
(Miller, W.R. & Rollnick, S., Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change, 2013, p. 4).

Integrating MI into your practice can support you in establishing trusting relationships with your clients, assessing alcohol use without judgment, and facilitating informed decision making. For individuals of childbearing age, this technique can help reduce alcohol-exposed pregnancies and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder by creating a supportive environment for behaviour change.

Remember that change occurs when individuals are ready and willing to make the change. Motivational Interviewing recognizes and respects that individuals are the experts in their own lives. Your support in creating an individualized plan for change can support their commitment to change.

Normalize the conversation
“Promoting overall health is an important part of our discussion. I routinely ask my patients about alcohol use to make sure I understand their health needs and well-being.”
Ask permission
“If you’re comfortable, I would like to ask you some questions about your alcohol use. This will help me in understanding and supporting your health goals.”
“Would you be interested in chatting about Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health?”
Ask open-ended questions
“How many drinks do you have in a typical week?”
“People often have different reasons for drinking such as socializing or reducing stress. Can you share what motivates you to drink?”
Encourage reflection
“What are your thoughts about your current alcohol use?”
“What reasons do you have to consider changes in your alcohol use?”
“If you were to make any changes, what specific steps would feel right for you?”
Reinforce independence
“Your decision about your alcohol use is entirely yours to make. My role is to offer guidance and support in helping you minimize potential health risks.”
“Prioritizing your well-being and the well-being of your developing baby is important during your pregnancy. If you are considering changes in your alcohol use during this time, I am here to help you.”

Facilitate goal setting
“Are there specific behaviours around your alcohol use that you would like to change? For example, do you want to stay within certain limits, reduce the amount of alcohol you drink, or stop alcohol use?”
Explore strategies for success
“What support do you need to reach your goals? This might involve seeking support of your friends, family, or partner and identifying and managing triggers that make you more likely to drink.”
Discuss techniques to track progress
“Some people like to keep track of their process. Have you thought about using a diary, calendar, or a mobile app?”
“Would you like to schedule follow-up appointments to discuss your progress?”
Provide educational resources
“I have some resources that could offer you additional information that may help. Is this something that would interest you?”
“Would you be interested in learning more about the Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health?”
Explore and refer to additional support services
“There are different services available if you need any additional support during your change journey. Would you like to hear more about them?”
Note: Treatment centres in Saskatchewan prioritize pregnant patients.

Invite future discussions
“I understand that you are not currently considering changing your alcohol use. I am here to support you if there’s anything you would like to discuss now or perhaps in the future.”
Check in at next appointment
“Last appointment, we talked about alcohol and its effects on pregnancy. Can I ask how things have been going since then?”

Resources to Support Your Conversations

Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health can help guide your conversations.
Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health: Final Report provides the key research that supports the Guidance.
T-ACE Questionnaire can be used with every patient to assess drinking.
What Have You Heard about Pregnancy and Alcohol? provides information for people who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

The Saskatchewan Prevention Institute provides a variety of resources on alcohol and pregnancy. These can be found in the online Resource Catalogue under Alcohol/FASD.

Motivational Interviewing Videos

Motivational Interviewing: Talking With a Pregnant Woman About Her Alcohol Use

Motivational Interviewing: Discussing Alcohol Use With a Pregnant Woman

Doctor Uses Motivational Interviewing to Discuss Alcohol Use

Doctor Uses Motivational Interviewing to Discuss Contraception

Engaging Youth Using Motivational Interviewing

The video series “Engaging Youth Using Motivational Interviewing” provides an overview of Motivational Interviewing (MI) and how you might use MI to support youth to make decisions around their alcohol use that will benefit their health and well-being. Talking to youth about alcohol and alcohol-related issues can reduce immediate and future harm. Included in this series are seven close-captioned videos, practice exercises, sample conversations, and video transcripts. If you would like further information about Motivational Interviewing, please contact info@skprevention.ca.

Video 1: Youth, Alcohol, and MI
Video 1 Transcript Introduction
Exercise 1: Identify the Talk

Video 2: Your Approach Matters
Video 2 Transcript Spirit of MI
Sample Conversation Doctor and Patient

Video 3: What Youth Say Matters
Video 3 Transcript Identify the Talk
Exercise 2: Humans of New York

Video 4: How You Listen Matters
Video 4 Transcript Listening
Sample Conversation Student and Teacher

Video 5: What You Say Matters
Video 5 Transcript Communication
Exercise 4: Open Questions

Video 6: How to Share Information
Video 6 Transcript Giving Information
Sample Conversation Nurse and Student

Video 7: When They Say No to Change
Video 7 Transcript Wrap Up
Exercise 3: Reflective Listening

Scheduled This Month

Youth Engagement: Opening the Doors to Difficult Conversations Toolkit© Training – Saskatoon

Outdoor and Risky Play: Reframing Perspectives Using Evidence

Upcoming Webinars

Youth Engagement: Opening the Doors to Difficult Conversations Toolkit© Training – Saskatoon

Outdoor and Risky Play: Reframing Perspectives Using Evidence

Youth Engagement: Opening the Doors to Difficult Conversations Toolkit© Training – Prince Albert

Stress Awareness and My Curious Brain

My Curious Brain Workshop

Working Towards FASD Prevention Within Pregnant Populations Facing Multiple Barriers to Health

Recorded Webinars

The Wonderful World of Parenting: Parenting Roles and Responsibilities

Back by Popular Demand: Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy: Evidence-Based Strategies to Increase Acceptance

Violence Against Women in the Perinatal Period

Advanced Motivational Interviewing Training

Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy: Evidence-Based Strategies to Increase Acceptance

Protected: Creating a Personal Wellness Action Plan

We Provide

Videos

Motivational Interviewing

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a brief, evidence-based, non-judgmental approach for talking with a person about change.

Navigating conversations about alcohol use and well-being

Supporting patients who are exploring potential changes in alcohol use

Supporting patients who are not considering changes in alcohol use

Resources to Support Your Conversations

Motivational Interviewing Videos

Engaging Youth Using Motivational Interviewing