Supporting the Work of So Many

Every day, prevention specialists and prevention providers across America dedicate their lives to supporting those struggling with substance misuse. Prevention First works directly with those preventionists or providers, supporting their work with the tools, training, and resources needed to change lives and build healthy communities.

Since 1985, Prevention First has been Illinois’ preferred provider of training and technical assistance. We train an average of 1,300 people annually and deliver 55 training sessions.

We employ many different approaches to most effectively disseminate this information, including live events (classroom-based, virtual, and webinars), on-demand options (online self-study and recorded webinar events), one-on-one technical assistance, coaching services, and web-based resources. All of which are rooted in evidence-based prevention approaches. 

The result: Our training and technical assistance services provide professionals and volunteers the training and information they need to effectively impact substance misuse in their communities so they can, in turn, spend their time directly impacting their communities rather than spending valuable time researching appropriate prevention methodology.

To register for a course, please become a member of Prevention First!

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Prevention First Training Policy


Training Options


Classroom-based (instructor-led) training offers a guided, interactive learning experience where participants and facilitators can discuss new information and practice new skills.

Virtual classroom (instructor-led, online) training offers participants a guided, interactive learning experience outside the Prevention First classroom.

Webinar (instructor-led, online) events offer participants a structured learning experience that is less interactive and often has a shorter time frame. 

Self-paced training (online) allows participants to complete the material independently. 

Virtual Classroom

CSUPS/SUPS Provider Fall Networking Events

Friday, October 11, 2024
09:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Online
Description

This structured networking event will give SUPS and CSUPS providers the opportunity to come together to discuss prevention-related topics with each other. The event will incorporate Q&A discussions with the IDHS SUPR Bureau of Prevention Services (BPS), Prevention First and CPRD. Networking portion TBD.

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Live Webinar

Addressing Stigma: A Virtual Panel on Families and Substance Use Disorder

Wednesday, October 16, 2024
12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Online
Description

This free virtual panel of professionals and persons with lived experience aims to educate community members about the stigma associated with family members of individuals with substance use disorder. Participants will gain insights, share experiences, and learn how to support and advocate for families.

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

  • Define family stigma.
  • Recognize the impact of substance use on the family.
  • Identify strategies to reduce stigma towards individuals with substance use disorder and their families.
  • Recognize the mental health impact faced by family members of individuals with SUD
  • Discuss the importance of strong support networks for families coping with SUD
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Live Webinar

Derived Intoxicating Cannabinoids: Public Health Issues and Policy Solutions

Wednesday, October 16, 2024
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Online
Description

This presentation will explore the rapid proliferation in the availability and use of derived intoxicating cannabis products including delta-8 THC, HHC, and THC-A. The session will include information about the harms from using synthetically derived cannabis products, the predatory marketing practices used to target youth, and the challenges states have faced in trying to regulate these products. Information will be provided on the legal language and related advocacy and enforcement needed to effectively address this issue at the federal, state, and local levels. The presentation will be followed by discussion regarding strategies to support related public health efforts.

Dr. Matthew Rossheim is an Associate Professor at the University of North Texas Health Science Center. His work, including more than 90 peer-reviewed research manuscripts and 100 scientific presentations, has helped influence the development of laws and regulations from the local- to federal-levels. He is one of the nation’s leading public health experts on “supersized” alcopops and derived intoxicating cannabis products (such as delta-8 THC). His related publications illustrate how these harmful intoxicating substances are made appealing and accessible to young people. His research has been cited in reports by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and World Health Organization (WHO), as well as featured by BBC, CNN, CBS, NBC, NPR, Washington Post, and The New York Times.

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Classroom

Effective Group Facilitation

Wednesday, October 16 - Thursday, October 17, 2024
09:30 AM - 04:30 PM
Prevention First's Chicago Office (Branch Office) - Chicago, IL
Description

The ability to lead groups is essential to a wide variety of positions within the prevention field. This two-day training builds basic facilitation skills of individuals working with youth and/or adult groups. By the end of the training, participants will understand the stages of group development and the major issues associated with them, as well as how to identify and use interventions that will influence group behavior. This is an interactive training that will incorporate theory into discussions, group interaction, role playing and practice, and applied learning.

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Classroom

Effective Group Facilitation

Wednesday, October 16 - Thursday, October 17, 2024
09:30 AM - 04:30 PM
Prevention First's Springfield Office (Headquarters) - Springfield, IL
Description

The ability to lead groups is essential to a wide variety of positions within the prevention field. This two-day training builds basic facilitation skills of individuals working with youth and/or adult groups. By the end of the training, participants will understand the stages of group development and the major issues associated with them, as well as how to identify and use interventions that will influence group behavior. This is an interactive training that will incorporate theory into discussions, group interaction, role playing and practice, and applied learning.

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Virtual Classroom

Two-Day ASAM Criteria 4th Edition Skill Building

Thursday, October 17 - Friday, October 18, 2024
08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Online
Description

This two-day, application-focused training will provide participants with an in-depth look at some of the significant changes and improvements in the Fourth Edition. Participants will have opportunities to apply and practice key components of the Criteria, including but not limited to; the six dimensions, level of care assessment, application of Risk Ratings to each of the Five Dimensions, Dimensional Admission Criteria Decision Rules, shared decision-making and an overview of Service Characteristic Standards, Discharge and Transition Criteria.

All participants receive an in-depth electronic training journal to guide the training experience and as a resource for continuing skill application, as part of the training.

Books are not required, but highly recommended.

The Illinois Department of Human Services funds this training and is only open to license-funded treatment professionals in the state of Illinois.

 

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Virtual Classroom

Two-Day ASAM Criteria 4th Edition Skill Building

Thursday, October 24 - Friday, October 25, 2024
08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Online
Description

This two-day, application-focused training will provide participants with an in-depth look at some of the significant changes and improvements in the Fourth Edition. Participants will have opportunities to apply and practice key components of the Criteria, including but not limited to; the six dimensions, level of care assessment, application of Risk Ratings to each of the Five Dimensions, Dimensional Admission Criteria Decision Rules, shared decision-making and an overview of Service Characteristic Standards, Discharge and Transition Criteria.

All participants receive an in-depth electronic training journal to guide the training experience and as a resource for continuing skill application, as part of the training.

Books are not required, but highly recommended.

The Illinois Department of Human Services funds this training and is only open to license-funded treatment professionals in the state of Illinois.

 

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Virtual Classroom

Peer Coaching vs. Clinical Treatment in Addiction Recovery

Friday, October 25, 2024
09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Online
Description

Join us for an immersive and transformative workshop that delves into the dynamic interplay between peer coaching and clinical treatment in the roles of prevention and addiction recovery. Designed for professionals across the spectrum of services, including clinicians, coaches, and peer support specialists, this comprehensive session will provide valuable insights and strategies to promote prevention and support individuals on their recovery journey.

We will explore how both peer coaching and clinical treatment aim to improve lives, each offering unique perspectives and tools. You'll gain a clear understanding of the distinctions between these approaches, including who is considered “the expert in the room” and how they uniquely address the challenges their clients face. Learn how clinicians' and coaches' tools can complement each other to provide a holistic support system to bolter prevention efforts or better support those in recovery. Through real-world examples, we’ll illustrate how peer coaching and clinical treatment can work together to create a comprehensive prevention or recovery plan. 

What to expect from the session: 

Explore various intervention strategies, from structured clinical interventions to self-guided peer coaching techniques like the Person-Activity Fit Diagnostic and the elements of The Warrior Reset to foster resilience. 

Understand the importance of building resilience through coaching to prevent relapse and navigate the landscape of certifications and credentials for peer support specialists.

Participants will leave with a robust toolkit of strategies and insights, enhanced by Garret Biss’s unique perspective as a retired Marine Corps Pilot, addiction recovery coach, and TEDx Speaker. 

Empower yourself to participate in an integrated coaching-clinician team and provide more comprehensive and effective support for individuals in recovery. 

Whether you are deepening your understanding or seeking practical tools to enhance your practice, this workshop will provide valuable knowledge and inspiration to make a lasting impact on those you support. 

 

Learning Objectives:

Participants will be able to identify the roles and responsibilities of both clinicians and peer coaches in developing and supporting recovery plans.

Participants will be able to explain the differences between peer coaching and clinical treatment in the addiction recovery process.

Participants will be able to discuss the complementary nature of peer coaching and clinical treatment and how they can work together.

Participants will be able to utilize various coaching tools and interventions in their life and practice.

Participants will be equipped with practical coaching tools to build resilience in individuals recovering from addiction.

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Virtual Classroom

Motivational Interviewing: An Introduction Training

Tuesday, October 29, 2024
09:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Online
Description

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is defined as “a particular way of talking with people about change and growth to strengthen their own motivation and commitment” (Miller & Rollnick, 2023, p. 3). MI is designed to evoke and enhance the individual’s own motivation to change, using strategies that are empathetic and non-confrontational. While it has long been recognized as an effective way to promote behavior change within individuals in substance use treatment, MI has a wide range of applications beyond the clinician-client interaction. MI is designed to help draw out the individual’s own strengths and resources to help them make the behavioral changes needed to reach their goals. In this introductory training, participants will learn about spirit of MI and its basic skills and strategies, and will have the opportunity to apply and practice those core skills in an experiential skill-development training.

Objectives:

  1. Describe key aspects of the spirit of motivational interviewing as well as its relation to the transtheoretical model and the importance of effective engagement
  2. Describe the core skills of motivational interviewing, including open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries
  3. Generate effective responses consistent with motivational interviewing to draw out and highlight the individual’s own desire, ability, reasons, and need to change
  4. Demonstrate application of concept as well as use of core motivational interviewing skills in practice activities
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Virtual Classroom
THIS EVENT IS PART OF THE PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTING COMMUNICATION CAMPAIGNS SERIES

Ten Steps for Planning and Implementing Communication Campaigns

Tuesday, October 29 - Thursday, October 31, 2024
09:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Online
Description

During this interactive virtual classroom course, participants will learn about the steps and best practices involved in campaign planning and implementation.

All SUPS and CSUPS staff reporting hours for communication campaigns who have not previously completed Planning and Implementing Communication Campaigns are required to complete this course.

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Live Webinar

Medications in Treatment

Monday, November 04, 2024
08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Online
Description

Medications to support recovery from opioid use disorders are critical tools in effective evidence-based addiction treatment, yet their outcomes are less than optimal because of the lack of psychosocial support typically offered to patients. Medication initiation, adherence, and persistence benefit from behavioral interventions to help patients build motivation, set goals, manage expectations, effectively communicate with their support team, overcome obstacles to staying on track, and celebrate successes along the way. This training offers an overview of the role that approved medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) play in the “whole-person” approach to treatment and recovery with a strong emphasis on specific science-based behavioral skills that are useful as part of comprehensive medication-assisted recovery.

All participants receive an electronic copy of an in-depth training journal to guide the training experience and as a resource for continuing skill application as part of the training.

 

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Virtual Classroom
THIS EVENT IS PART OF THE ANALYZING AND SHARING ILLINOIS YOUTH SURVEY (IYS) DATA SERIES

Analyzing and Sharing the Illinois Youth Survey Data

Wednesday, November 6 - Thursday, November 7, 2024
01:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Online
Description

During this virtual classroom training, participants will organize, examine, and summarize local IYS data to identify concerns, priorities and outcomes. Participants will identify methods for displaying and packaging data and strategies for sharing and analyzing data with schools and stakeholders. Additionally, participants will identify ways to incorporate data into local prevention strategies.

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Virtual Classroom

Individualized Service Planning with the ASAM Criteria 4th Edition

Wednesday, November 13, 2024
08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Online
Description

Participants will understand the relationship between the treatment plan and the use of
admission, continued stay, and transition criteria. In addition, participants will learn how to
write measurable, individualized treatment plans based on the Dimensional Drivers and
individualized needs and preferences of the person served. Participants will also have the
opportunity to explore ways in which the patient’s stage of change impacts and drives a
person-centered treatment plan and a cursory review of core motivational interviewing skills
for treatment planning conversations, shared-decision making and to support readiness for
and engagement in treatment.

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Virtual Classroom

Trauma and Beyond

Wednesday, November 13 - Thursday, November 14, 2024
09:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Online
Description

While many organizations are trauma-informed, becoming trauma-responsive means looking at every aspect of an organization’s programming, environment, language, and values and involving all staff in better serving clients who have experienced trauma.
Moving from Trauma-Informed to Trauma-Responsive provides program administrators and clinical directors with key resources needed to train staff and make organizational changes to become trauma-responsive. This comprehensive training program involves all staff, ensuring clients are served with a trauma-responsive approach.

Objectives:

  1. Identify three examples of “Big T” and “little t” stressors
  2. Describe two of the major findings from the ACE study relating childhood experience to substance use and mental
    health impairment.
  3. Perform at least one technique for engaging consumers in a trauma informed approach.
  4. Describe at least one impact of trauma on cognition and physiological functioning.
  5. Identify one Domain of Trauma-Informed Care and how, organizationally, activating this domain enhances trauma care.
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Virtual Classroom

Two-Day ASAM Criteria 4th Edition Skill Building

Monday, November 18 - Tuesday, November 19, 2024
08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Online
Description

This two-day, application-focused training will provide participants with an in-depth look at some of the significant changes and improvements in the Fourth Edition. Participants will have opportunities to apply and practice key components of the Criteria, including but not limited to; the six dimensions, level of care assessment, application of Risk Ratings to each of the Five Dimensions, Dimensional Admission Criteria Decision Rules, shared decision-making and an overview of Service Characteristic Standards, Discharge and Transition Criteria.

All participants receive an in-depth electronic training journal to guide the training experience and as a resource for continuing skill application, as part of the training.

Books are not required, but highly recommended.

The Illinois Department of Human Services funds this training and is only open to license-funded treatment professionals in the state of Illinois.

 

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Live Webinar

Assessment and Engagement: A Dialectical Tension

Tuesday, November 19, 2024
12:00 PM - 03:15 PM
Online
Description

This training provides an overview of the key changes the American Psychological Association made to the DSM-IV when they produced the DSM-5 in 2013. The first module explores the purpose and limitations of the Manual and describes its organization. You will use what you have learned to interpret the manifestation of symptoms in a person presenting with a potential mental disorder and take electronic knowledge checks that test your understanding. The second module explores factors which may affect the diagnostic process. These factors include socioeconomic status, trauma, TBI, stress, substance use/misuse, adverse childhood experiences, and combat. The third module looks at how to use the DSM-5 to accurately diagnose schizophrenia and psychotic disorders and personality disorders.

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Virtual Classroom
THIS EVENT IS PART OF THE PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTING COMMUNICATION CAMPAIGNS SERIES

Developing Materials for Locally-Designed Campaigns

Wednesday, November 20 - Thursday, November 21, 2024
01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Online
Description

During this interactive virtual classroom course participants will learn about the steps and best practices involved in planning and implementing a locally designed communication campaign. Participants will become familiar with print ad principles and obtain tips, tools, and resources for designing and pilot testing materials.


All SUPS and CSUPS staff implementing locally-designed communication campaigns who have not previously completed Planning and Implementing Communication Campaigns are required to complete this course.

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Virtual Classroom

Historical Trauma, Ethics, and Social Justice

Thursday, November 21, 2024
09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Online
Description

This trainer will explore historical trauma and its effect in a modern context, especially concerning intergenerational and racial trauma. There will be discussions on colorism, microaggressions, and oppression perpetrated by a society that continues to devalue, degrade, and demoralize specific populations and groups. This training will challenge clinicians and practitioners to understand their roles in advocating for clients individually, locally, nationally, and globally. It will also motivate counselors to be "change agents of justice" by facilitating change within systems that do not efficiently support or serve clients and patients. This training will also review some ethical case scenarios related to social injustices.

 

At the end of this training, participants will:
• Examine the nuances of historical trauma and social justice in culturally diverse settings.
• Explore issues related to social justice and how the ethical codes and principles align with treating clients and patients equally and fairly.
• Explain how racism and microaggressions can harm the therapeutic alliance or relationship.
• Exbibit ways clinicians and practitioners can be more trauma-informed and culturally responsive to reduce barriers facing marginalized, vulnerable, and oppressed populations.

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Virtual Classroom

Co-occurring Disorders Program

Tuesday, December 3 - Wednesday, December 4, 2024
09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Online
Description

The Co-occurring Disorders Program helps organizations deliver evidence-based integrated care to clients living with co-occurring substance use and mental health conditions. The full series provides a proven, effective treatment protocol which places equal emphasis on addressing all diagnoses, yet each piece of the program can be used effectively as a stand-alone curriculum. This training will cover the complete curriculum, which includes.

  • A Leader’s Guide to Implementing Services for People with Co-occurring Disorders
  • Screening and Assessment
  • Integrating Combined Therapies
  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
  • Family Program
  • A Guide to Living with Co-occurring Disorders (DVD)

Objectives:

  1. Demonstrate core components of the Co-occurring Disorders Program.
  2. Recognize value of addressing presenting concerns in an integrated manner.
  3. Explore protocol-driven screening tools that consider each client’s symptoms, history, and motivation for change for best treatment planning practices.
  4. Describe differences between the evidence-based skills of motivational Interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy and twelve step facilitation.
  5. Prepare learners to integrate components of the Co-occurring Disorder Program to provide comprehensive, stage-based programming.
  6. Demonstrate delivery of key sections within the curriculum.
  7. Use experiential practice of new skills and interventions in person and/or virtually.

* Note: This is a two-day training; to receive credit, participants must attend both days of the training.

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Classroom

Establishing and Leading a Youth Advisory Committee

Wednesday, December 04, 2024
09:30 AM - 04:30 PM
Prevention First's Chicago Office (Branch Office) - Chicago, IL
Description

In this training, participants will learn to establish and lead a youth advisory committee to support local substance use prevention efforts. Participants will learn best practices for engaging youth in advisory roles, establishing an advisory committee structure and strategies for recruitment and retention of youth advisors. Participants will also learn appropriate roles for youth committee members in substance use prevention activities.

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Live Webinar

Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk for Substance Use Disorder Treatment Professionals

Thursday, December 05, 2024
08:30 AM - 04:30 PM
Online
Description

 

The training aims to provide participants with the background knowledge and practical skills that they need to address suicidal risk and behaviors in clients in care for substance use disorder treatment. Participants will have the opportunity to increase their knowledge and apply practical skills in the following areas:

Approaching Your Work: Learn how to manage reactions related to suicide and maintain a collaborative, non-adversarial stance. Acquire the necessary skills to address potential conflicts between a care professional’s goal to prevent suicide and relapse and a client’s goal to eliminate psychological pain via suicidal behavior.

Understanding Suicide: Gain an understanding of the definitions and language used when talking about suicide, as well as the data that are relevant to addressing suicide in substance use disorder treatment including risk and protective factors, warning signs, and the complicating factors of substance misuse, including opioids.

Gathering Information: Identify key points in treatment where a suicide assessment should occur, what questions to ask to learn more about a client’s suicidal thoughts and behaviors past and present, and how to ask them. Participants will practice asking questions in an interactive learning environment designed to help build confidence. The training presents key scenarios, such as when to seek supervision or consultation and what to do when someone discloses suicidal thoughts during a group treatment session.

Formulating Risk: Practice synthesizing assessment information into a risk formulation that will help inform the next steps in treatment. AMSR emphasizes the importance of using a risk formulation not for prediction but as information to make a collaborative decision regarding recovery-oriented treatment planning.

Planning and Responding: Review suggested actions to take based on a risk formulation using resources from SAMHSA’s TIP 50 and evidence-based interventions. Practice having conversations related to safety planning and addressing the potential for relapse through means counseling interventions.

 

If you have any questions please contact Maddie Seigfried by email madison.mccormick@prevention.org or by phone 217.993.2889.

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Virtual Classroom
THIS EVENT IS PART OF THE CONDUCTING FOCUS GROUPS SERIES

Preparing for Successful Focus Groups

Tuesday, December 10 - Thursday, December 12, 2024
09:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Online
Description

During this interactive virtual classroom course participants will learn how to screen and recruit participants, develop effective questions to gain useful insights, moderate focus groups successfully and confidently, and analyze the results of focus groups to bolster programming. Introduction to Focus Groups must be completed prior to registering for this course.

All SUPS and CSUPS staff reporting hours for communication campaigns who have not previously completed Conducting Focus Groups are required to complete this course.

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Live Webinar

Harm Reduction Approach within ASAM Criteria Framework

Wednesday, December 11, 2024
08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Online
Description

Limited spots are available.

This training provides skill-building in the use of the ASAM Criteria as a framework for determining the most appropriate intensity of services and how a harm reduction model/approach, specifically providing strategies for working with clients on goal setting, application of risk reduction skills and evaluation of treatment goals fits within the broader framework of the Criteria’s six dimensions and levels of care.

All participants receive an electronic copy of an in-depth training journal to guide the training experience and as a resource for continuing skill application as part of the training.

The link to join the training will be emailed to you prior to the training.

The Illinois Department of Human Services funds this training and is only open to license-funded treatment professionals in the state of Illinois.

If you have any questions, please contact Maddie Seigfried by email at madison.mccormick@prevention.org or by phone at 217.993.2889

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Virtual Classroom

Motivational Interviewing: Beyond the Basics Training

Wednesday, December 11, 2024
09:00 AM - 01:30 PM
Online
Description

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is defined as “a particular way of talking with people about change and growth to strengthen their own motivation and commitment” (Miller & Rollnick, 2023, p. 3). MI is designed to evoke and enhance the individual’s own motivation to change, using strategies that are empathetic and non-confrontational. While it has long been recognized as an effective way to promote behavior change within individuals in substance use treatment, MI has a wide range of applications beyond the clinician-client interaction. MI’s guiding helping style draws out the individual’s own strengths and desires to help them make the behavioral changes needed to reach their goals. Participants will learn about the guiding spirit of MI and the four tasks, and will have the opportunity to practice core skills and appropriately respond to challenges in an experiential skill-development training.

Objectives:

  1. Describe key aspects of the spirit of motivational interviewing as well as the four tasks and the importance of effective engagement
  2. Describe common traps and communication barriers (e.g. the persuasion trap, the wandering trap) which can arise and contribute to potential discord
  3. Generate effective responses consistent with motivational interviewing to elicit change talk and to help clients explore and resolve ambivalence
  4. Demonstrate use of core motivational interviewing skills, as well as the ability to identify and appropriately respond to sustain talk and discord
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Virtual Classroom

Self-Care for Providers

Thursday, December 12, 2024
09:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Online
Description

Self-care for Providers is a dynamic, interactive workshop that addresses the healing and self-care needs of providers, supervisors, and others who are of vital assistance to individuals, children, and families navigating substance use and mental health challenges. Topics include secondary traumatic stress, burnout, vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and building resilience on the individual and organizational level.

Objectives:

  1. Understand and define the elements of compassion fatigue, secondary trauma, and stress
  2. Understand and define burnout and how it relates to organizational characteristics
  3. Describe and prepare strategies to build emotional resilience at an individual and organizational level
  4. Define the process by which individuals and organizations can move from reactivity to resilience through the use of assessment, prevention, and intervention
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