Applying Motivational Interviewing to Older Adults
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based practice that has been studied in a range of health settings and can be effectively delivered by individuals with a range of professional degrees and training. This training will explore how Motivational Interviewing may be particularly well-suited to the older adult population, who often encounter significant barriers to accessing care. We will incorporate several strategies developed within the Certified Older Adult Peer Specialist (COAPS) program which prepares Certified Peer Specialists to work with this population and are translatable to applications within clinical settings. We will review the fundamental tenets of MI and briefly instruct foundational skills. The presentation includes didactic information, skill demonstrations, and opportunities for attendees to practice applied methods. Finally, attendees will be encouraged to ask questions specific to their work settings and populations. Attendees will leave with a more thorough understanding of the tenets of MI and the skills to effectively apply MI with older adults. This training is appropriate for those with previous experience in Motivational Interviewing principles and practices as well as those for whom this will be an introduction.
Training Categories Basic/Intermediate, Prevention, Best Practice, Older Adult BH| Peer, Clinical
Speakers
James Klasen (Jim) is a Certified Older Adult Peer Specialist (COAPS) trainer and an Advanced Level WRAP Facilitator. He brings over 35 years of experience from the workforce development field. Jim has worked with youth, persons returning home from prison, and persons impacted by trauma, mental health, and substance related challenges. Jim is also a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) and brings lived experience sharing his recovery journey openly as evidence that recovery and wellness are both possible and probable. His journey has led naturally to his “encore career” lending his expertise to several organizations, including the Penn Collaborative
Jesslyn Jamison, PhD is a licensed psychologist and postdoctoral fellow working at the Penn Center for Mental Health. She is a Certified Older Adult Peer Specialist (COAPS) trainer and an instructor for the Beck Community Initiative. Her clinical experiences include working across a range of clinical settings including hospitals, schools, and primary care clinics.