Discovery: Principles and Practices of Motivational Assessment and Engagement with Adolescents

Discovery: Principles and Practices of Motivational Assessment and Engagement with Adolescents

‘Working with teens’ is often described as one of the hardest roles for the substance use and addictions professional: “resistant… defensive… challenging… unmotivated…” are labels often used with young people facing the causes and consequences of drug and alcohol use. “Oh… you work with teens? I could never do that” or “I used to do that, but I just can’t anymore” or “it takes a certain kind of person to work with teens ” are often shared and heard in our field. And indeed… there are certain skills, strategies, and styles that are essential in providing effective support for teens and young people. Interestingly, these same skills, strategies, and styles can be helpful with assessment, treatment, and support services for all populations. And fortunately, this model of care and service delivery can be adopted, adapted, and applied by many helping professionals, not limited to those with a focus on adolescent care. This training will build upon models of integrative and motivational engagement and assessment, with a focus on the provider’s (and system’s) understandings, intentional practice, and self-awareness – reconsidering goals, hopes, expectations, and outcomes in working with teens. This includes conceptual underpinnings – and most importantly – practical application and rehearsal to bring concepts and strategies into real world practice. This training is designed to be dynamic, participatory, curious, creative, and FUN (as should be our work with the young people we serve!). All are welcome for Discovery: Motivational Assessment and Engagement with Adolescents.

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