Motivational Interviewing Training

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a cooperative, purpose-driven way of communicating that focuses on the conversations people have about change. Its aim is to help individuals tap into their own motivation and strengthen their commitment to a chosen goal by uncovering and developing their personal reasons for making a shift, all within a supportive and respectful environment.

MI offers a practical framework for encouraging meaningful progress. Whether you work in healthcare, counseling, or any role that involves supporting others, this training builds your ability to enhance motivation and guide people toward sustainable positive change.
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Hi, I'm Colt Gordon.

Once an Active Duty Marine, I am now a therapist dedicated to helping teams thrive through the power of Motivational Interviewing.

I teach MI in a practical and fun way - no fluff or psycho-babble.
Just real skills that work, from day one.

How I Operate 

Is your team stuck between pushing too hard and doing too little?
Being pushy or passive are two sides of the same coin. When helpers either over-advise or play patty cake, real change stalls. That’s what happens when there’s no clear framework for guiding change.

Motivational Interviewing (MI) Training Series

You need a framework that guides change - that's what MI is. I can teach MI to you and your team in a fun and practical way. I'll train your team to communicate with clarity, empathy, and purpose. This helps in building stronger connections and driving meaningful change together. Here's what I've got for you:

Two-Day Introductory Training

This comprehensive two-day session provides a foundation in the core concepts of Motivational Interviewing, including:
The Spirit of MI PACE – Partnership, Acceptance, Compassion, Evocation.
The OARS Skills Open Questions, Affirmations, Reflections, and Summaries.
The DARN CAT Framework Understanding and practicing Change Talk using: Desire, Ability, Reason, Need, Commitment, Activation, Taking Steps.
The Trans-Theoretical Model (Stages of Change), including pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, and relapse/lapse.
This initial training establishes the educational foundation and shared language for effective MI practice across staff.

Skill Development Workshops
(Booster Sessions)

A series of interactive workshops focused on deepening MI skills and practical application. These sessions include:
Engaging through OARS Building rapport and guiding conversations.
Exploring the Spirit of MI Strengthening empathy and collaboration.
DARN CAT in Action Identifying, responding to, and strengthening change talk in ways consistent with MI principles.
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Did you Know?

MI can help you set emotional boundaries. After all, if you think you need to be the one with all the answers, you will burn-out.
The most well-intentioned helpers can be unaware of their frustrations with their clients. MI can enhance self-awareness, which helps you stop playing the proverbial tug-of-war with your clients.
Cultivating the "spirit of MI" encourages helpers to reconnect with their purpose and values. Practicing compassion intentionally and intelligently can counteract Compassion Fatigue.
MI can help you promote professional fulfillment. By focusing on the client’s autonomy and intrinsic motivation, MI shifts the helper’s role from "savior" to "supportive guide," which can reduce burnout and increase job satisfaction.
Mi can help you reduce the "righting reflex". Helpers often feel pressured to "fix" problems, which can lead to frustration when clients resist change. MI teaches providers to "roll with resistance" instead of fighting it, reducing emotional strain and preserving empathy.
Motivational Interviewing is for lazy people. Okay, better said, it is for people that need to conserve their energy! If you spend all your time trying to fix people, you will burnout. Learn MI, and you take the pressure off yourself.
Not feeling competent in helping people change can be depleting.   I can help you learn the heart and soul of change and how to facilitate it through MI.
Being the expert with all the answers can lead to burnout.  I can help you learn to take the pressure off with MI as your foundational framework. 
The number one thing clients/patients don't do is what you tell them. I can train you to get clients to come up with their own answers (even if it is what you would have told them anyway). 

    Some Key Demographics

    While Motivational Interviewing can be applied to unlimited sectors, I've been focused on the following with positive results.
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    Behavioral Health / Mental Health

    I have been working in this field since 2013, and I know how vital it is to not burnout; to be competent in helping people change and to work effectively as an organization.
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    Military / Veteran and First Responders

    I have 15+ years working with these populations; I was active duty in the Marine Corps and deployed three times from 2007-2011. I know the hierarchy and the importance to get specific results.
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    Health Care

    I know that helping people change matters, but we all know the number one thing patients don't do is what you tell them; I can teach you how to get clients to come up with their own answers -- even if it is the same answer you would have come up with.
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    Education

    In my college years I had mentors that could help me find my inner motivation for who I wanted to become professionally; they had the MI spirit.  I can teach you this so you are not spinning your wheels to get students to meet their potential; instead, you are helping them see their potential for themselves. 
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    Clergy

    I have years of experience in mission fields building homes for the poor in Mexico. I have seen first-hand the pressure that is on clergy -- to do it "right", to have all the answers, and to help people grow.  I can teach you to stop "playing God" and to just be a pastoral guide aka "a shepherd." 

    Some Kind Words

    Here's what some of my participants have said about MI training with me.

    I met Colt during the MINT TNT (Training for New Trainers) program and was immediately impressed by his unique and engaging approach to training. His creative use of humor made learning meaningful and memorable. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a trainer who educates and inspires.

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    Carol Sullivan

    Colt brings fun and engaging energy to MI training! I was struck by how his creative teaching style made MI concepts feel accessible. He has a real gift for translating complex MI concepts into practical and easy-to-understand applications.

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    Cecilia Lanier

    Author

    Motivational Interviewing in Life and Health Coaching

    Colt’s ability to create an environment that supports learning on multiple levels is exceptional. I would strongly recommend that anyone considering an MI training attend one of Colt’s sessions to experience firsthand the passion, humor, and meaningful engagement he brings to the training environment.

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    Rick Payan

    Community Solutions Inc.

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    Free Zoom MI Practice Sessions most Mondays and Fridays at noon EST.

    Register Here

    Hosted by MINT Certified Trainer Sky Kershner with trained facilitators to help you apply Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques to real-world challenges in a supportive small-group setting.

    Participants bring situations where MI was difficult, then explore and practice new approaches together.

    You’ll receive constructive feedback focused on the experience and impact of each conversation.
    The environment is safe, engaging, and centered on shared growth.

    Let's Talk

    I provide Motivational Interviewing (MI) trainings to medical and behavioral health providers, clergy, teachers, administrators, social workers, law enforcement, community organizations, colleges and universities, re-entry, managed care organizations, students, peer support, and more. Let's connect to discuss how I can help you and your organization succeed with Motivational Interviewing.
    Request Appointment
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    I am a part of MINT. What's the BIG deal?

    Being a part of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) is a BIG deal because it signifies a high level of expertise in Motivational Interviewing (MI) and grants access to a global community for professional development. Members are experienced professionals who have undergone rigorous training to ensure the accurate and effective use and teaching of MI, making them key figures in promoting this evidence-based practice. What it means to be a MINT member

    • Expertise and credibility: MINT membership is reserved for experienced MI practitioners who have proven their skills through an application process that includes a review of audio recordings. This establishes members as credible trainers and consultants in the field.
    • Professional community: It connects you to an international network of professionals from various backgrounds, including counselors, physicians, and nurses, to share ideas and best practices for MI training and consulting.
    • Professional development: MINT provides ongoing learning opportunities through meetings, publications, and access to specialized resources, ensuring members stay at the forefront of MI research and practice.
    • Commitment to quality: The mission of MINT is to promote the high-quality and accurate application of MI across cultures and contexts, which means members are committed to maintaining and improving their skills and those of others.
    • Role in training: MINT members are instrumental in training new professionals in MI, thereby helping to disseminate this evidence-based approach for helping people make positive behavioral changes.