Motivational Interviewing: Practical Skills for Real Conversations

Step-by-step training to help you guide behaviour change through empathy, curiosity, and collaboration — without pressure, persuasion, or pushing advice.

    1. Welcome

    2. Meet your instructor

    3. Before you begin: reflect on where you're starting from

    4. Let's introduce ourselves

    5. Where are you now?

    6. Quiz: Getting started

    7. Shape your learning journey

    1. Learning Objectives

    2. MI spirit, purpose, evidence base

    3. Role of MI in behaviour change

    4. When to use (and not use)

    1. Learning Objectives

    2. Breakdown of each technique

    3. Examples and practice exercises

    4. Common mistakes to avoid

    1. Learning Objectives

    2. Types of change talk

    3. How to invite and build on it

    4. What to avoid (e.g. advice reflex)

    1. Learning Objectives

    2. Where MI Fits in Your Work

    3. Choose a Scenario That Reflects Your Role

    4. Use OARS to Guide the Conversation

    5. Knowing Your Boundaries

    1. Learning Objectives

    2. Scenario 1: “I Know I Should… But…”

    3. Scenario 2: “This Isn’t a Problem”

    4. Scenario 3: “I Think I’m Ready”

    5. Scenario 4: “Everyone Says I Have To…”

What this course gives you

  • Skills that actually work in real conversations
  • A clearer way to support change, not force it
  • Language that invites — not instructs

Stand out with a verified digital badge — share it on LinkedIn, your CV, or anywhere your work speaks.

More than a badge — it’s a signal.

When you complete this course, you’ll unlock a verified digital badge that tells others you don’t just care — you’re capable. Add it to your LinkedIn, CV, or email signature to stand out in a crowded field. You’ll also get a Certificate of Completion, perfect for PD records, performance reviews, or your professional portfolio.

By the end, you won’t just know MI — you’ll feel ready to try it in the moments that matter

  • Explain the core principles of motivational interviewing (MI) – including its purpose, spirit, and key elements.

  • Recognise the difference between directing, advising, and guiding – and understand when MI is appropriate.

  • Use open questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries (OARS) – to support effective, person-centred conversations.

  • Recognise and respond to change talk – in a way that supports motivation and autonomy.

  • Guide conversations without pressure or persuasion – using MI techniques to reduce resistance and build trust.

  • Stay within your role and scope of practice – knowing when to use MI and when to refer on.

Here’s what others often ask before enrolling.

We’ve answered some of the most common questions below to help you feel confident before getting started.

Absolutely. You don’t need any prior knowledge — this course is designed to be practical, clear, and easy to follow, no matter your background.

We’ve designed it to fit around your life. It’s self-paced, so you can dip in and out as it suits you — no pressure, no deadlines.

There are no live sessions required — everything is available on-demand, so you can learn when it works for you.

Yes — you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion and a verified digital badge you can add to your CV or LinkedIn profile.

You’ll get a mix of short videos, practical activities, and reflection exercises — it’s designed to be engaging, not just passive watching.

You’ll still have access to your resources and can revisit materials anytime. We also send occasional updates and tips to keep your skills fresh.

While it’s an online course, we include realistic case examples and practical exercises to help you apply what you’ve learned.

Yes — you can choose a monthly or yearly plan depending on what suits you best.

We’re happy to help. Just email us at [[email protected]], and we’ll arrange an alternative payment method.

As soon as your payment is confirmed, you’ll get instant access to the full course.

No problem. Just contact us and we’ll help you pause or reschedule your enrolment.

Yes — we offer group enrollment options for teams and organisations. Reach out to us and we’ll guide you through it.

Why We Built This.

Kieran Thorpe | Director

BHealthSc, GCertEd, GDipPsych, MSc (Psych), MAPS

Hi, I’m Kieran — a psychology lecturer and mental health educator with over 20 years of experience supporting people through challenging moments. I’ve worked across education, community services and mental health, helping individuals, teams and organisations build the skills to respond calmly, confidently and compassionately when someone is struggling. This course was designed to give you practical tools — not just theory — so you can feel ready to help when it matters most. My goal is to make sure you leave with simple, real-world strategies that you can use straight away, no matter your role or background. You don’t need to be a psychologist to support someone — you just need the right approach. That’s what this course is all about.

Dr Ashley Humphrey | Co-Founder

BA (Psych) (Hons), PhD

Hi, I’m Ashley — a psychology educator and researcher with a focus on how people think, connect, and find meaning in tough times. My work explores the values, beliefs, and social dynamics that shape wellbeing — especially for young people and those navigating uncertainty. Over the past decade, I’ve published research on identity, mental health, and social connection, and taught psychology at the university level. But I’ve always believed that psychology should be useful — not just academic. At The Wellbeing Project, I help turn big ideas into practical tools. My aim is to make sure the learning feels relevant, clear, and immediately useful — so that what you take from our courses sticks with you long after the page is closed.

In 2018, we pitched an idea to Spark Deakin that most people thought was too niche. They backed it. With their support — and Deakin University behind us — The Wellbeing Project was born. Not as a course, but as a challenge: to rebuild professional learning from the ground up.

This site is intended to provide general information and strategies to assist with the management of behavioural challenges. This is not a substitute for specialist medical advice and you should always consult a qualified health professional before commencing any intervention.

Before there were whiteboards, there were stories in the stars.

We learn on Wurundjeri land, named after the Manna Gum — a tree rich in culture, medicine and meaning. We honour Elders past and present, the original teachers.