The use of motivational interviewing in field instruction

ABSTRACT

The required field internship in social work education is its signature pedagogy and is described by students as the most meaningful part of their education. Interns often experience anxiety and self-doubt however and look to field instructors for guidance. Currently there are few frameworks or evidence-based models that are used in field instruction and in social work supervision. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a communication method that has been extensively studied in settings such as substance use, mental health, and other health care concerns, to guide clients toward healthier behaviors. We propose that MI can also be used in field instruction, as it can model effective interactions, is an evidence-based practice, and helps to create a supportive setting for student interns to manage their anxiety. The Four Processes of MI—Engaging, Focusing, Evoking, and Planning—provide a framework for field instructors who want to have a guiding conversation with interns toward a particular change goal. We propose a Fifth Process: a Meta Conversation or a conversation about the supervision conversation. Its goal is to help interns self-reflect and apply the modeled skills. A description of MI in field instruction is presented along with a sample FI vignette, supervision conversation, and Meta Conversation.

KEYWORDS:

• Field instruction
• motivational interviewing
• supervision
• interns
• social work

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Melinda Hohman

Melinda Hohman, Ph.D., is Professor and Director Emeritus, San Diego State University, School of Social Work.

Amanda Lee

Amanda Lee, LCSW, is Field Director, San Diego State University, School of Social Work.