Motivational Interviewing
The SDF Motivational Interviewing Badge Scheme involves practitioners completing specific learning objectives related to MI training and practice.
What is Motivational Interviewing?
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a psychological intervention which uses a counselling method designed to strengthen a person’s own motivation and commitment to change, particularly when they feel uncertain or ambivalent.
SDF’s MI training focuses on applying MI to support substance use behavioural change with people who may be struggling to commit to change. The training is designed for practitioners who work directly with people affected by substance use and who are directly responsible for supporting change in substance use behaviours. This would typically apply to those in roles where there is responsibility for planning and delivery of support, care, or treatment.
What is the SDF Motivational Interviewing Badge Scheme?
The SDF Motivational Interviewing Badge Scheme involves practitioners completing specific learning objectives related to MI training and practice.
SDF considers these objectives to be reliable and dependable indicators underpinned by the evidence-base in the learning and development of MI. The purposes of the Badge Scheme are:
- To build knowledge, skills and practice of MI.
- To enable practitioners to receive SDF recognition of learning and development in MI practice.
- To build up a community of skilful MI practitioners.
SDF sees the progressive pathway through the Badge Scheme as a readiness to enter into MI practice, to be assessed, and to have enhanced professional status as a result. The SDF Motivational Interviewing Badge Scheme recognises learning and achievement and is a way to collect and share evidence of learning and development in MI practice. The Badge Scheme provides a comprehensive way for you to keep track of your skills, knowledge and achievements. You can collect evidence of your learning including downloadable printable certificates. Each badge contains criteria against which the badge was obtained and provides evidence to prove you met those criteria. There are 3 badges to collect within the SDF MI Badge Scheme. These are Bronze, Silver and Gold Badges.
The Bronze Badge
A beginner-level training programme for those looking to start or refresh their skills in Motivational Interviewing (MI).
The Silver Badge
Designed for those who want to deepen Motivational Interviewing (MI) skills through focused practice, coaching and feedback.
The Gold Badge
Used to advance Motivational Interviewing (MI) practice and integration into own work, including assessing existing strengths.
Case Study: Fife Addictions Psychological Therapies Service
Scottish Drugs Forum was commissioned and worked in partnership with Fife Addictions Psychological Therapies Service to support the implementation of Motivational Interviewing in Fife with up to 120 practitioners across the NHS and voluntary sector identified to participate in Motivational Interviewing training.
Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Head of Addictions Psychological Therapies in Fife, Dr Isabel Traynor, said:
Dr Isabel Traynor
“The Motivational Interviewing training and coaching was commissioned in line with the workforce development plan overseen by Addictions Psychological Therapies Service and the MAT 6/10 steering group in Fife. This plan aims to skill up staff throughout the ROSC and create increased access to psychosocial (evidence-based) interventions for service users.”
Implementing Motivational Interviewing within your service
This guide outlines a structured process for implementing Motivational Interviewing (MI) across our services. Successful implementation requires coordinated planning, staff training, ongoing coaching, and organisational support to ensure MI becomes embedded in everyday practice. This document provides clear steps to help services integrate MI consistently and sustainably, enhancing the quality and effectiveness of an MI approach to service delivery.