Description of our Program

Part I - Compassion is central to MI, yet sometimes given only cursory attention. Dr. Steindl will dive deeper, introducing five key themes of compassion in MI: compassion as a guiding mind-set, its role in action versus presence, empathy as the foundation, fostering relational safeness, and the dynamic flows of compassion. These themes highlight how compassion enhances client change and practitioner well-being in MI.

Part II - What does it take to speak up, lean in, or stay when things get tough? Majella Greene dives into psychological safety as the foundation for trust, honesty, and real connection. We will unpack how to create spaces where people feel safe enough to be bold, vulnerable, and human—at work, in teams, and in ourselves. 

Part III - It is clear that hope is a crucial element in motivation for change. Yet what is hope? Dr. Miller will describe eight different forms that hope can take, providing a menu of options for you to explore when clients' hope seems to be lagging.

Part IV -  Motivational Interviewing (MI) is well-suited and uniquely positioned to cultivate hope in our work and our world. Dr. Ernst will explore how the learning and practice of the MI spirit, skills, and strategies might help to discover, deepen, and grow the inner wellspring of hope both in ourselves and in those we serve.

Introducing Our Speakers

Denise Ernst, PhD Oregon, USA

Dr. Denise Ernst received her doctorate from the University of New Mexico under the renowned Dr. William Miller, co-founder of motivational interviewing (MI), with a research focus on the application of MI in real clinical practice. Denise has been involved in efforts to increase the effectiveness of training, has provided structured feedback and coaching to a variety of professionals, and has developed and delivered several levels of advanced MI curriculum.  

Majella Greene, RSW London, United Kingdom

Majella Greene is a registered social worker, positive psychology practitioner and integrative therapist with over 30 years of experience in working with people and communities to have a better life. Majella experiences life with all that shows up, joy, loss, grief, play – being courageous to tell the truth quicker, connect with others and celebrate life in all it’s forms. She works with individuals, teams, groups, communities and organisations to facilitate changes that free people up to be more of who they are in whatever they are doing. 

Bill Miller, PhD New Mexico, USA

Dr. William R. (Bill) Miller is Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of New Mexico. Best known for introducing the clinical method of motivational interviewing, he is more broadly interested in the psychology of change. His 67 books include most recently Effective Psychotherapists (2021), On Second Thought: How Ambivalence Shapes Your Life (2022), Eight Ways to Hope (2024), and the 4th edition of Motivational Interviewing.

Stan Steindl, PhD Brisbane, Australia

Dr Stan Steindl is a Clinical Psychologist in private practice at Psychology Consultants Pty Ltd, and an Adjunct Professor at School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. He is also co-director of the UQ Compassionate Mind Research Group.  Stan has over 20 years experience as a therapist, supervisor, trainer and researcher, and works with clients from motivational interviewing and compassion focused therapy perspectives. 

Some Time Conversions

Here are some time conversions for the facilitators.   Please check https://www.worldtimebuddy.com/ and input your time zone, accordingly.

Empowering Change, One Conversation at a Time.

Our goal is to build community and create connections all over the world by providing various virtual workshops with topics linked to Motivational Interviewing.