Motivational Interviewing Training

This one-day workshop introduces participants to Motivational Interviewing (MI) as a practical, evidence-informed approach for supporting people experiencing housing instability, homelessness, and complex psychosocial challenges. MI is a collaborative style of communication that supports people to explore ambivalence and resistance to change, strengthen motivation, and move toward change in ways that respect autonomy, dignity, and lived experience.

In housing and homelessness contexts, workers often engage with people who are navigating trauma, systemic barriers, risk behaviours, service fatigue, and competing priorities. Motivational Interviewing offers a respectful alternative to directive or compliance-focused approaches, helping practitioners build engagement, reduce resistance, and support change without coercion or judgement.

This workshop is designed for beginners, with no prior MI knowledge assumed.

By the end of the workshop, participants will:

• Understand what Motivational Interviewing is and how it differs from directive or problem-focused approaches

• Be able to identify and apply the core principles and skills of MI in housing and homelessness contexts

• Recognise stages of change and respond appropriately to ambivalence and resistance

• Apply MI-consistent strategies alongside other practical tools used in frontline practice

• Feel more confident engaging clients in respectful, collaborative conversations that support sustainable change

This 7-hour workshop balances theory with practical application and is directly tailored to the realities of housing, homelessness, and community-based support work.

Date: Thursday 26th February 2026

Time: 9:30am - 4:30pm

Venue: Newnham Hotel and Event Spaces

Delavan Suite

516 Newnham Rd, Upper Mount Gravatt

Tickets:

Member of Q Shelter or ATSI Housing QLD $185

Non Members $205

Students $135

People with experience of living in social or affordable housing, homelessness, or housing need FREE (please contact us for the code to register)

• All ticket prices exclude gst

• To book for more than 5 members of your organisation, contact us for a discounted rate.

• Accessibility and inclusion are very important to us. Please let us know what you need to participate in this event through the registration process.

Please contact the Q Shelter Events Team on ZXZlbnRzIHwgcXNoZWx0ZXIgISBhc24gISBhdQ== if you are experiencing any barriers for registering.

About the presenter

Monica Lord is a lecturer in social work at Griffith University, an experienced Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, and a nationally recognised trainer with over 15 years of frontline practice across mental health, alcohol and other drugs, and complex community settings, including many years in private practice.

She has worked extensively with people experiencing multiple and intersecting psychosocial challenges, with particular interests in dysregulated childhood behaviours, mental health, complex trauma, hoarding, and squalor.Monica is currently completing a PhD, with research focused on inclusion in early childhood education and care. Her research work is grounded in anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, and co-designed frameworks, with a strong emphasis on how systems, environments, and service responses shape engagement and change.

Monica has a strong reputation for cutting through complexity, translating research into practice by blending current evidence with extensive frontline experience. Her workshops are engaging, straight-talking, and designed to support practitioners working in demanding, high-pressure environments.

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