Motivational Interviewing: From Ambivalence to Engagement with Monica Powers, Psy.D. (June 26, 2026)

Motivational interviewing is often associated with substance abuse treatment and helping a person move from a place of ambivalence about treatment to a willingness to participate and engage. These interventions can also be utilized by the primary mental health field to address specific behaviors and difficulties related to mental health, especially with adolescents. This presentation seeks to help practitioners utilize motivational interviewing skills to engage clients in beginning change behaviors who are much more connected to the behaviors in a manipulative way. Learning Objectives: Identify why motivational interviewing works with clients who are struggling to make progress in treatment. Understand how motivational interviewing works in relation to changing client ambivalence. Utilize at least 3 specific interventions in a clinical setting. Bio: Monica Powers, Psy.D. (she/her) is a licensed clinical psychologist who has championed personal resilience since 2007. She holds a doctorate from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and specializes in trauma, grief, and substance abuse for clients aged 11 and beyond. With specific interest in trauma recovery, her research on Hurricane Katrina survivors was recently republished in 2024, providing updates to her dissertation research. She currently serves as Program Director at ROWI Teen & Parent Wellness Centers and has a small private practice under Dr. Powers Psychotherapy. She is Clinical Faculty at Antioch University and also supervises at ADR Wellness - a group practice. Throughout her career, Dr. Powers has remained dedicated to mentoring early-career clinicians and providing individualized, strength-based support to diverse communities. Sponsor (Gold Level): Clearview Treatment Programs. DBT-comprehensive residential and DBT-informed PHP/IOP, with LA locations in West LA, Woodland Hills, Pasadena, and Long Beach, plus Ontario and San Diego. Contact: Crayton Daniel, Crayton.Daniel@ClearviewTreatment.com, 816-863-6299, clearviewtreatment.com