The How and Why of Change

From an early age, I was fascinated with the "why" of things. I wasn't as interested in the usual answers to questions children ask like; why is the sky blue, or where do babies come from? I was more interested in why people do what they do. What did they believe? Why did they believe it? Do people choose to stay stuck? How do I change?

Adults would reprimand me for eavesdropping on their conversations, they considered it rude, but I was on a mission, searching for clues that would give me insight into their behavior. I believed that if you understood why someone behaved a certain way, then it would be easy to help them change.

When I got older, I studied anthropology, sociology, psychology, journalism. I got a degree in broadcasting and made a career out of observing and talking to others. I even went so far as to leave broadcasting to become a licensed therapist. Through all of this, the conclusion I came to was; that change was really hard for most people, and change was certainly hard for me.

I noticed when people's circumstances forced them into an unwanted situation, "Change is good," was not the first thing they uttered. I was humbled by their efforts to make sense of how they might cope with their situation. I also learned that just knowing why they did something, even if that something made them unhappy, didn't necessarily mean that they would have the motivation or the skills to make the changes they wanted.

Even when they had a strong desire and intentions to behave differently, it seemed as if a million reasons surfaced to keep their lives the same. It may have been because of their fear, or ambivalence, or lack of confidence.

THE HOW…

The question of "why" remained interesting, but I became more curious about the "how" of change. I learned to support both the how and why of change through the practice of Motivational Interviewing which is a guiding style of communication that enhances a collaborative partnership by exploring the natural ambivalence that occurs when one is facing change.

It is important to feel seen and heard when breaking free of one's status quo. The language of Motivational Interviewing is a way in which to have a non-judgmental conversation that evokes a person's own reasons for change and motivation.

Whether the conversation takes place with an individual or for an organization, the foundation of Motivational Interviewing creates an atmosphere of partnership, acceptance, and compassion for the challenges inherent in changing, while also evoking and guiding the process.

This approach not only affirms the capacity for change in others, but it has also lessened my own challenges with change. As the ancient Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, said, "The only thing that is constant is change." Through the process of having motivational conversations, we can find a way to affirm that "change" can indeed be good.

Areas of Practice For Motivational Interviewing Training (MI)

Behavioral and Primary Health Care, Criminal Justice, Education, Youth Organizations, Homeless Service Providers

Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) Consultant, Trainer, Coach, Leadership Development

Debra Collins, LMFT - California

I have been a licensed therapist in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 20 years. My worked has centered around community based  non-profit organizations. My diverse background as a direct service provider, manager, clinical director and supervisor gives me a comprehensive perspective into a wide variety of temperaments, communication styles, and organizational processes which informs how I consult, train and coach.

I have worked as a Clinical Director, Program Director, or Clinical Supervisor in Behavioral Health serving youth and families, adults in recovery as well as pediatric and adult hospice.

My diverse background as a direct service provider, manager, clinical director and supervisor gives me a comprehensive perspective into a wide variety of temperaments, communication styles, and organizational processes which informs how I consult, train and coach.

I offer Motivational Interviewing Training/Coaching to a wide range of health and human service providers, behavioral health practitioners and criminal justice workers, to further develop their communication skills towards recognizing and evoking the language of change.

FOR PROVIDERS, MANAGERS AND LEADERSHIP TEAMS

TRAINING SUPPORTS PROVIDERS TO BETTER:

• Engage with your clients .

• Have more productive conversations about change.

• Have more skills and insight when working with clients that appear “resistant”.

• Exchange information in a manner that clients are more likely to receive it.

TRAINING & COACHING OPTIONS

Training in Motivational Interviewing can be tailored to integrate into your existing organization and client and program practices.

Packages May Include:

• Introductory, Intermediate or Advanced Training

• Follow-up coaching

• Training/Coaching for Fidelity

• Creating Sustainable models