How can community-based organizations use MI to support behavior change?

1 What is MI?

MI is a communication style that aims to elicit and strengthen the client's own motivation for change, rather than imposing it from the outside. MI is based on four principles: expressing empathy, developing discrepancy, rolling with resistance, and supporting self-efficacy. MI also uses specific skills, such as open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries, to guide the conversation and help the client explore their ambivalence, resolve their conflicts, and plan their actions.

3 How to use MI in CBOs?

MI can be used in various settings and contexts within CBOs, such as counseling, case management, outreach, education, or advocacy. This approach can be adapted to different populations and cultures, as long as the core principles and skills are maintained. For example, in a substance abuse treatment program, MI can help clients reduce their substance use, increase their readiness for treatment, and enhance their adherence to recovery plans. In a HIV prevention program, MI can assist clients with increasing their condom use, reducing their sexual risk behaviors, and accessing testing and treatment services. Additionally, in a diabetes management program, MI can help clients improve their diet, exercise, medication adherence, and blood glucose control. Lastly, in a domestic violence program, MI can help clients increase their safety, cope with their emotions, and access legal and social support.

4 What are the benefits of MI in CBOs?

MI can offer several benefits for CBOs and their clients, such as improving the quality and effectiveness of services provided, enhancing the skills and confidence of staff, and promoting the mission and vision of the organization. This is achieved by increasing client satisfaction, retention, engagement, and outcomes, providing a flexible and evidence-based tool to communicate with clients, and aligning with values of respect, empowerment, diversity, and social justice.

5 How to learn MI in CBOs?

Mastering MI requires training, practice, feedback, and supervision. To develop the MI competence of their staff, CBOs can invest in basic and advanced MI training, either in-house or through external experts. Additionally, they can create opportunities for staff to practice MI skills through role plays, peer coaching, or case discussions. Establishing a system for staff to receive feedback and supervision on their MI performance is also important. This could include audio or video recordings, checklists, or fidelity measures. Last but not least, fostering a culture of learning and improvement can help staff reflect on their experiences, share successes and challenges, and seek ongoing support and guidance.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?