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Using Motivational Interviewing to Support Engagement in CBT

Learn more about our CBT and Motivational Interviewing: Children and Young People training.

About this training  

This course explores Motivational Interviewing (MI) theory and techniques, emphasising the application of MI skills to enhance engagement in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for children, young people, and families.

Discover the potential of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), a recommended treatment for children and young people's psychological challenges by NICE guidelines. Explore an active therapy requiring high engagement, addressing potential ambivalence. Our training introduces Motivational Interviewing (MI) strategies, empowering CBT therapists with skills to captivate and guide young individuals through various therapy stages.  

Aims of this training  

  • To explore instances where motivation poses challenges in CBT. 

  • To deliver a comprehensive overview of Motivational Interviewing theory and techniques. 

  • To instruct on specific MI techniques beneficial for CBT therapists. 

  • To consider the integration of MI concepts into CBT practice for enhanced effectiveness. 

Who is this training for?

This course is designed for professionals with a foundational understanding of CBT.

It is ideal for individuals working with children and young people (CYP) across diverse settings, utilising CBT in their professional practice.  

Course tutors

Vicki Curry, Programme Director, Pg Cert CYP Psychological Wellbeing Practice / MSc/Pg Dip CBT for Children and Young People.

Vicki Curry

Co-Head Workforce Development Programmes

AMBIT Joint Programme Director at Anna Freud.

Liz Cracknell

AMBIT Joint Programme Director at Anna Freud

  • Very informative and opportunity to reflect and role play.

    Participant, 2026

  • The workshop was the perfect length. I really enjoyed having two professionals lead the workshop; it felt very well-balanced.

    Participant, 2026

  • Had the opportunity to improve my knowledge of CBT whilst listening to experiences so different from my own, and realising the extent of the CBT's work at these levels.

    Participant, 2025

  • The structure of the training day was well thought through and I enjoyed how it was very interactive, and therefore meant I took much more from it.

    Participant, 2025

  • Gave me the opportunity to reflect deeply about my current practice and how I could incorporate MI to support clients.

    Participant, 2023

  • I honestly thought this was the best training session I have completed in a long time. It was very engaging, interesting and very useful.

    Participant, 2023

Interested in commissioning training for your team?

We are interested in working with teams or organisations who would like to commission a bespoke version of this training. Get in touch with our dedicated team.

Commission training

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