Motivational Interviewing with Worth Bolton, MSW, LCAS, CCS

What to do when clients resist change — whether coerced into treatment by courts, human service agencies, employers, or family members, or are otherwise ambivalent about therapy? In this presentation, Mr. Bolton provides an overview of “motivational interviewing” that helps clients to explore and resolve their own ambivalence. This directive, client-centered approach incorporates reflective listening and validation with strategies to monitor readiness to change and of selective reinforcement, while affirming clients’ freedom of choice and self-direction.

L. Worth Bolton is a Clinical Instructor and Education Specialist at UNC-CH School of Social Work, has served as chair of the NC Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board, the NC Foundation for Alcohol & Drug Studies, and the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug (ATOD) Section of the National Association of Social Workers. Prior to coming to UNC in 1997, Mr. Bolton had more than 25 years of experience in inpatient, outpatient, residential, and institutional settings, providing counseling services for individuals and their families. He provides frequent trainings throughout the Southeastern US for human service agencies, business & industry, and the military.