TPC-DIGEST-Vol3Issue3

TPC D igest 32 C ounselor skill development and self- efficacy are important constructs to consider in graduate counselor education programs. Counseling skills courses are designed to teach counselors-in- training how to develop effective therapeutic relationships and interact with clients in a helpful manner. Hundreds of research studies have demonstrated that counseling skills training is effective in increasing skills of graduate-level counseling students. Skills typically taught in graduate courses include attending behavior (e.g., eye contact, body language, verbal tracking), open and closed questions, paraphrasing, summarizing, reflecting feeling, reflecting content, self- disclosure, confrontation, immediacy, and others. Motivational interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based counseling approach that requires the counselor to practice counseling skills often taught in a basic counseling skills course. It is a collaborative, person- centered counseling style intended to elicit and explore clients’ personal motivations to change in an accepting and compassionate environment. In addition, MI must be practiced with a humanistic “spirit” that encompasses the notions of collaboration, evocation, and promotion of client autonomy. MI can be used specifically to foster client engagement in the counseling process, diminish resistance within the counselor-client relationship, and explore and resolve client ambivalence about change. Outcome research conducted on MI has demonstrated its beneficial and lasting results Integrating Motivational Interviewing into a Basic Counseling Skills Course to Enhance Counseling Self- Efficacy – DIGEST Melanie H. Iarussi is an Assistant Professor at Auburn University. Jessica M. Tyler, NCC, is Clinical Coordinator at East Alabama Mental Health and Adjunct Professor at Auburn University. Sarah Littlebear, NCC, is a doctoral candidate at Auburn University. Michelle S. Hinkle is an Assistant Professor at William Paterson University. Correspondence can be addressed to Melanie H. Iarussi, Auburn University, 2084 Haley Center, Auburn, AL 36830, miarussi@auburn.edu. Melanie H. Iarussi Jessica M. Tyler Sarah Littlebear Michelle S. Hinkle