Berkeley, CA · Jan 2027

A two-day Motivational Interviewing training, January 2027.

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a person-centered, guiding method of communication to elicit and strengthen motivation for change. These two days cover the foundations of MI: the spirit, its four core processes, and the skills that carry them.

The training will span two days in person in Berkeley, CA. It is open to therapists, social workers, health providers, students, and anyone else whose work revolves around conversations about change.

By the end of the training, participants will be able to:

Demonstrate understanding of the spirit and principles of Motivational Interviewing

Recognize and elicit change talk from clients

Describe and apply the four core processes of Motivational Interviewing and use of OARS (Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflections, Summaries)

In their words

From clinicians I’ve trained.

Valerie has had a profound impact on my professional growth and development. She put her heart and soul into creating MI and CBT trainings for our team that were creative, engaging, and incredibly effective in supporting our learning and competency. She went above and beyond to provide us with ongoing learning opportunities, offering one-on-one training whenever needed and providing detailed feedback with compassion and warmth; her commitment to our growth was palpable. Valerie led by example by embodying the very spirit that she taught us to use with our own clients — empathy, collaboration, and unwavering support. She is one of the most effective teachers I have ever had, and I would not have the clinical skill set I have today if not for her strong leadership and innovation.

Leah Pickar — MSW

Valerie is an exceptional teacher. She trained me in Motivational Interviewing when I was a mental health coach, and it has proven to be the most valuable skill I've learned in my career. I used it not only to guide clients through our CBT program but also to motivate and develop my team when I became a people manager. Even now, as a tutor, I still think of her teachings, because once Motivational Interviewing "clicks," as Valerie would say, it becomes almost second nature. Valerie is caring, dedicated, and incredibly knowledgeable, and I would gladly work with her again.

Leyla Holt — Tutor, Sylvan Learning

Where

In person in Berkeley.

The training runs in a dedicated space in my office building on Bancroft Way. Full directions and parking notes come with your confirmation.

830 Bancroft Way · Berkeley, CA

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FAQs.

Do I need prior MI training?

No. The training is open to the public and starts from the foundations, so you’re welcome whether MI is new to you or you’re looking to sharpen skills you already use.

Is continuing-education (CE) credit offered?

Not at this time.

How do I register and pay?

Use the Register button above — checkout ($425 per person) is handled by Stripe, and I’ll follow up with everything you need before the training.

What are the dates and hours?

The training runs January 28–29, 2027, 9:30 am–4:00 pm both days, in person in Berkeley. Coffee, tea, and pastries are provided.

What’s your cancellation and refund policy?

Full refund if you cancel 14 or more days before the training (by January 14, 2027), minus a $50 administration fee. 50% refund if you cancel 7–13 days before. Within 7 days it’s non-refundable — but you’re always welcome to send someone in your place or apply your payment to a future training. If I cancel or reschedule, you’ll receive a full refund.