Sep 08, 2025

Basics of Motivational Interviewing

9:00 am - 12:15 pm
CEUs: $ 50.00
No CEUs: $ 25.00
3.0 CEUs available for:

  • LSW/LISW/SWA (CSWMFT #: RSX069601)

  • LPC/LPCC (CSWMFT #: RCX031303)

  • Nurses ​(via reciprocity with the CSWMFT board)

REGISTER HERE

Summary: 

Motivational Interviewing is collaborative, person-centered form of guiding to elicit and strengthen motivation for change. Its applications have been studied to be effective in many arenas.  While typically utilized by counselors, an understanding of motivational interviewing is applicable for any helper.  Participants will learn about the importance of the Spirit of Motivational Interviewing, as well as using basic engagement skills (OARS).

Objectives:

  • Exploring the human change process and resistance to change
  • Understanding the trans-theoretical Stages of Change Model and how it has affected the realm of counseling and social work
  • Defining motivational interviewing and understanding briefly how it was developed
  • Learning about the spirit of motivational interviewing including the elements, principles, and common traps encountered
  • Describing and practicing OARS client-centered counseling skills used in motivational interviewing.

About the Speaker: Stephen Kerestes, LPCC-S, LICDC

 

Steve is a coordinator of the School Based Mental Health team at CommQuest Services, Internship Coordinator and trainer for Pyramid Services. He also serves as an adjunct professor for Motivational Interviewing at Walsh University. Prior, he was lead counselor at the Smith House, a residential treatment center for adolescents with substance abuse and mental health problems. He specializes in teaching social responsibility to clients. A graduate of the University of Akron, he has received extensive training in Motivational Interviewing as well as in problem gambling counseling. He shows great passion in his work with clients as well as in supervision, training, and program development. He takes a creative approach to counseling and is a dynamic and engaging speaker.

 

REGISTRATION & CANCELLATION INFORMATION:

In-person class sizes are limited, so register early. Classes with low registrations may be canceled. If the class is canceled or moved, participants will be contacted via email at least 24 hours in advance.

Classes start and end on time. To ensure a quality experience for all, please log in (virtual events) or arrive (in-person events) at least 15 minutes prior to the class start time. No participants will be admitted to a training 10 minutes after it has started. Full participation is expected, no partial credit will be awarded. Hard copies of certificates will be mailed upon request. Replacement certificates will be issued for a $5.00 fee.

Refunds will be made ONLY for cancellations received three business days prior to the event. If received less than three days prior to the event, a credit can be issued for use at another program within the next 6 months. If notice of cancellation is not received before the date of the program, no refund will be issued. PLEASE NOTE: No shows will be charged the full registration fee.

For In-Person events, it is difficult to control room temperature to everyone's comfort level. We suggest you dress in layers that can be adaptable to warm and cool temperatures. For auditing purposes, complete first and last names, arrival and departure times must be logged.

Webinar CEUs will take place on Zoom during the designated times. The link to join the webinar session will be sent in your registration confirmation email as well as registration reminder emails. Please note: Certificates will be emailed within 1 week after the training so long as the virtual attendance has been verified and evaluation returned. Webinar participants will need a device capable of running Zoom and a strong internet connection and speakers during the entire CEU session.