Motivation Matters

Building motivation & wellbeing in young people using tools from Motivational Interviewing

A user-friendly introduction to techniques for understanding and building motivation in young people to enhance wellbeing.

Motivation comes from self-esteem, and young people who have low self-esteem are less likely to be able to make decisions to change patterns of behaviour, which in turn can affect not only their mental wellbeing but also their achievement in both educational and social contexts.

This practical and user-friendly introduction to Motivational Interviewing (MI) will enable school-based staff to feel confident in using tools from MI to engage young people, both as a means of preventing escalation of difficulties and also to support them in the process of changing behaviour patterns.

Key strategies and techniques will provide young people with a range of tools and problem-solving techniques to identify problems they face, develop long- and short-term goals and the steps required to achieve these.

The ten practical sessions, below, include clear user guidance as well as Activities, Worksheets, Handouts and Resources for use with young people either in groups or on a one-to-one basis, by SENCOs, Mental Health Leads, Learning Mentors, Teachers, Counsellors, Social Care Professionals and Parents/Carers.

1. Introduction to Motivation
2. Positive Possibilities
3. Knowing Who We Are
4. Listening Skills
5. Motivation to Change
6. The Stages of Change
7. Working with the Changes
8. Problem-Solving
9. My Change Process
10. Goals & Evaluation

146pp A4 paperback