Welcome to MI-5 - Your Weekly Dose of Motivational Interviewing
- Mikel Gellatly
- Jun 21
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 23
Get ready to dive into another exciting week with MI-5, your trusted source for Motivational Interviewing (MI) insights. Each week, we deliver five compact, thought-provoking ideas to spark your curiosity, enhance your skills, and keep you at the forefront of MI practices. Whether you’re an experienced practitioner, a trainer, or simply curious about MI, this newsletter is a treasure trove of motivation and knowledge.
In this edition, we bring you notable research findings, and practical tools to support both your personal and professional growth in the world of Motivational Interviewing.
Become a Friend of MINT Oceania
What is a Friend of MINT Oceania?
At the recent MINT Oceania Forum, we were joined by many ‘Friends of MINT’ - some reconnecting, others just beginning their MI journey. A number of them have since gone on to become fully MINTed, completing their Train New Trainers in Christchurch last year.
MINT Oceania brings together members of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers from across Australia and Aotearoa/New Zealand. We exist to:
Promote proficiency in Motivational Interviewing
Support fellow MINT members
Organise events that champion MI across sectors
If you’re not a MINT member but are passionate about or interested in MI, you’re welcome to join us as a Friend of MINT Oceania. For just $25NZD a year, you’ll get access to:
Webinars
In-room events (additional costs for conferences may apply)
A community of like-minded MI practitioners
Written and digital resources
… and more.
Whether you’re just discovering MI or already deep in practice, Friends of MINT is a great way to stay connected, keep learning, and join a supportive professional community.
Interested? Click this link https://www.mioceania.org/membership.html
Spotlight: Helen Mentha's Extraordinary New Book
This week, we shine a light on an exciting publication - Helen Mentha's book titled "Someone Good to Talk To: Reflections on Motivational Interviewing in Practice".
In this insightful book, Helen distils her knowledge and experiences in applying MI in various settings. This guide is beneficial for both newcomers and veteran practitioners interested in deepening their MI skills.
Learning MI takes time, practice and some guidance. This book offers a concise collection of short reflections from a deeply experienced teacher of MI and shares practical insights on the foundations of effective conversations.
Get your copy here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Someone-Good-Talk-Motivational-Interviewing-ebook/dp/B08L1N9SDG
Podcast Feature: The Art of Human Connection
Have you tuned into Stan Steindl’s Compassion in a T-Shirt podcast lately? His recent conversation with Helen Mentha is well worth a listen.
They unpack Motivational Interviewing as an intentional, relational practice – not just a set of tools but a way of being.
Helen uses a great analogy: “A piano doesn’t get more notes.” The skills themselves aren’t new – we all ask questions, reflect, affirm – but MI is about learning to play those notes deliberately, skillfully, and in the right moments.
It’s thoughtful, grounded, and full of practical insight. A great listen for anyone refining their MI ear.
🎙️ Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJi4ZIQQ1Qw
Understanding How People Really Learn MI
I’ve recently finished reviewing over 40 studies on MI training effectiveness.
Across different settings, disciplines, and populations, a consistent message comes through: workshops raise awareness, but they don’t guarantee skill.
Without follow-up, feedback, or time to reflect and practice, the effects of MI workshops fade fast. The literature is full of examples where people enjoyed the training but struggled to apply it meaningfully in their day-to-day work.
So what actually helps MI stick?
Structured feedback – especially coded session recordings
Ongoing coaching or supervision
Peer learning communities or small groups
Opportunities to revisit and deepen over time
In short: MI needs to be supported like any other complex skill – with reinforcement, reflection, and a shared learning journey.
There’s growing support for cohort-based models that embed these elements from the beginning. Not just a one-off event, but a process.
If your organisation is investing in professional development, it’s worth thinking about how training is structured – not just what’s covered.
Upcoming Episode: MI and Beyond with Joel Porter and Stephen Rollnick
Make sure to mark your calendar for the next episode of "MI and Beyond," hosted by Joel Porter and Stephen Rollnick.
In this highly anticipated episode, they will delve into the highlights from the recent International Summit on MI. You can expect to gain fresh insights into new research and practices emerging in the field, helping you stay updated and involved.
This opportunity to hear from leading experts is invaluable for anyone committed to advancing their understanding of Motivational Interviewing. You can register for free here: https://fsu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cXQAsQX4QNaBwk5gD1wPjg?fbclid=IwY2xjawLC-cxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFqWnhwRXlRUTNUdWlsWmdjAR50LResQ3V1qudL4ajpWoFNCl3jyRQFTOKG9lMz_NqiKZGqKumxWTw7JsW_Xg_aem_4sOEmP4nYz79Y5qWGkCVyQ#/registration
Last Week’s Highlights: MI with SGH-PGAHI
We’ve just wrapped another foundational Motivational Interviewing skills workshop with Singapore General Hospital and the Postgraduate Allied Health Institute – now into our seventh year of partnership.
Over four half-days, 30 health professionals joined us online, including occupational therapists, psychologists, dietitians, physios, and counsellors. A diverse group, all bringing their lens on how MI can support growth – in themselves and the people they work with.
Big thanks to those who’ve reached out since. One participant shared:
“I learned numerous practical skills that I can use both personally and professionally.”
It’s always a privilege to be part of these workshops – real conversations, real practice, and plenty of energy for doing this work well.
We’ve got three more SGH workshops coming up this financial year, and four more already locked in for the next. Grateful to keep building this together.
Final Thoughts
We hope this week’s edition of MI-5 encourages you to reflect on your practice, embrace new knowledge, and share your insights within your community.
Whether you are reading Helen Mentha's thought-provoking book, listening to engaging podcasts, participating in workshops, or joining conversations on MI, your commitment to learning has a positive impact on those you serve.
Stay tuned for next week’s insights and continue to fuel your motivation as you explore the rewarding landscape of Motivational Interviewing!
댓글