The JBS Learning Management System (LMS) provides online support for technical assistance and training offered to HRSA-Supported Health Centers on the provision of behavioral health care services in the health center setting.

Instructions for Accessing JBS Learning Management System

Motivational Interviewing (MI) Basics

"MI is a client-centered, directive method for enhancing intrinsic motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence."1 In this first module, you will be introduced to the following:

  • Understanding the essential elements of MI
  • An introduction to the Spirit of MI

MI Core Skills

In this module, learners will have the opportunity to learn the core skills used in MI. In addition to the four steps in the MI process listed in the MI Basics module (Engage, Focus, Evoke, and Negotiate), this course will examine the four essential interviewing skills and how to use them, including:2

  1. Open ended questions
  2. Affirmations
  3. Reflections
  4. Summaries

This course also includes a series of practice exercises.

MI Core Strategies

In this module, learners will have the opportunity to learn the core concepts and to practice key strategies of MI, including:

  • The transtheoretical model of change (Stages of Change) and MI strategies
  • Strategies for increasing change talk; resolving ambivalence; and increasing motivation, including use of the decisional balance and use of the Readiness Ruler
  • Linking screening and/or assessment findings into a brief motivational intervention
  • A review of demonstration videos
  • A series of practice exercises

The Brief Negotiated Interview (BNI)

In this module, learners will have the opportunity to learn the BNI, a semi-structured, evidence-based, brief motivational intervention. Module content includes:

  • An introduction and discussion of the BNI, its essential elements, and its four steps
  • How MI strategies and tools are brought together in this structured intervention
  • A review of demonstration videos
  • How to negotiate change plans with clients
  • A series of practice exercises

1. Lussier, M. T., & Richard, C. (2007). The motivational interview: in practice. Canadian Family Physician, 53(12), 2117–2118. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2231547/; Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (1991). Motivational interviewing: Preparing people to change addictive behavior. Guilford Press.

2. UOYTP. (n.d.). Core motivational interviewing skills: OARS. https://ytp.uoregon.edu/content/core-motivational-interviewing-skills-oars; Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2012).