JOIN US FOR OUR OCTOBER 'LUNCH + LEARN' WEBINAR!
Session Description
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based, student-centered approach that can help school counselors strengthen engagement, navigate resistance, and support meaningful behavior change. As MI continues to gain traction in educational settings, school counselors can benefit from moving beyond introductory concepts and developing greater confidence in applying MI strategies in everyday practice.
Designed for participants with any level of prior exposure to MI, this fast-paced Lunch & Learn will reinforce core principles while introducing more advanced techniques that can deepen conversations with students. Whether you have been using MI for 15 years or 15 minutes, you’ll leave with practical strategies you can immediately apply to help students explore motivation, work through ambivalence, and take meaningful steps toward change.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Identify core Motivational Interviewing principles and techniques that support student engagement and behavior change.
- Apply MI strategies to help students explore ambivalence, strengthen motivation, and develop their own reasons for change.
- Integrate more advanced MI techniques into common school counseling conversations to increase student ownership, engagement, and movement toward goals.
About the Presenter
Dr. Brian Linhart brings more than a decade of hands-on experience with Motivational Interviewing to his work as a high school counselor in Township High School District 214 and as an adjunct professor at National Louis University and DePaul University. He is the only school counselor in Illinois admitted to the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT). Dr. Linhart completed his doctoral research on the impact of Motivational Interviewing on struggling students and co-authored a chapter on MI for a forthcoming textbook. An active speaker and trainer, he regularly presents at regional and national conferences and provides Motivational Interviewing training to school personnel across the country.
Professional Development Credit
Participants are eligible to receive one (1) ISBE-approved CE/Professional Development Hour for full attendance. Per Illinois State Board of Education requirements, attendees must join the session on time, remain for the duration, verify attendance as directed, and complete the required evaluation in order to receive ISBE Evidence of Completion for Professional Development verification.
NOTE: View the ISCA PD Event Registration, Cancellation, and No Show Policy
ISCA is also an approved IDFPR provider of CEs for LPC, LCPC, LSW, and LCSW licensure. ISCA IDFPR Licenses for Continuing Education:
- LPC/LCPC IDFPR License #197.000285
- LSW/LCSW IDFPR License #159.001444
ISCA Members Attend FREE!
Non-Members: $39
Not a member? Professional Membership is just $70—and includes access to up to nine Lunch & Learn sessions throughout the year, plus reduced member pricing on additional ISCA professional learning. With ISCA Professional Membership at $70 annually, registration of just two Lunch & Learn webinars would total $78 in non-member registration fees.
