Course Description

    This continuing-education course explores how Motivational Interviewing (MI), a collaborative, client-centered counseling style, can be applied to the treatment of anxiety disorders. Clinicians will learn to recognize ambivalence not as resistance but as a normal component of anxiety-driven avoidance, and to employ MI principles to enhance engagement, reduce avoidance behaviors, and strengthen intrinsic motivation for change. The course integrates theory, empirical evidence, and practical strategies for integrating MI with cognitive-behavioral and acceptance-based interventions across outpatient, primary-care, and telehealth settings.. This course is NBCC and Florida board approved for 1 CE hour..

Please review the course materials prior to purchasing the course. Often, individuals will print a copy of the course worksheet to complete while they view the course material. Once you are ready to complete the course, please enroll in the course and complete the course requirements, including the course post-test and course survey. You will receive your certificate automatically for printing or downloading after achieving an 80% or higher on the post-test and completing the course survey. 

Motivational Interviewing and Anxiety-Guiding Change Through Ambivalence and Avoidance Course Text.pdf

Motivational Interviewing and Anxiety-Guiding Change Through Ambivalence and Avoidance Course Worksheet.pdf

Course Author:  Bryan Glazier, PhD, LMFT, LMHC,, FL Qualified MHC/MFT Supervisor 

Course Time/Location: 1 CE Hour, Location: www.directceu.com (web-based, asynchronous/home study) 

Course Text: Motivational Interviewing and Anxiety: Guiding Change Through Ambivalence and Avoidance

Course Board Approval Statement(s): NBCC, Florida Board Approved

Directceu, llc has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7411. directceu, llc maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

directceu, llc (BAP # 50-17578) is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling. directceu, llc maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

 Financial Disclosure Statement

directceu, llc is committed to providing our professional colleagues with unbiased information. directceu does not accept commercial support and our course authors have no significant financial interests or other conflicts of interest pertaining to the material.

Learning Objectives:

Through the completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  1. Define the theoretical foundations and core principles of MI and explain their relevance to anxiety.
  2. Identify mechanisms of ambivalence and avoidance in anxiety presentations.
  3. Apply MI strategies, open questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries (OARS), to enhance engagement and reduce resistance.
  4. Integrate MI with CBT, ACT, and exposure-based techniques for anxiety disorders.
  5. Demonstrate ethical and culturally responsive MI practice within scope and competence.
  6. Use MI to improve treatment adherence, reduce dropout rates, and strengthen motivation for sustained anxiety management.

 Course Syllabus:

Theoretical Foundations of Motivational Interviewing

  • Origins and evolution of MI.
  • Core processes: engaging, focusing, evoking, planning.
  • Conceptual rationale for MI in anxiety treatment.
  • Supporting empirical evidence.

Anxiety, Ambivalence, and Avoidance

  • Understanding anxiety as an avoidance cycle.
  • Concept of ambivalence and clinician’s role.
  • Application of OARS communication skills.
  • Research on MI skill proficiency and client engagement.

MI Techniques in the Treatment of Anxiety

  • Exploring discrepancy and reinforcing values.
  • Rolling with resistance.
  • Supporting self-efficacy and eliciting change talk.
  • Clinical case examples demonstrating MI in practice.

Integrating MI with CBT, ACT, and SFBT

  • MI–CBT bridge sessions for readiness and adherence.
  • Alignment of MI with ACT values and acceptance principles.
  • Strength-based synergy between MI and SFBT.
  • Telehealth applications and adaptations.

Cultural and Ethical Applications

  • Culturally sensitive adaptations of MI.
  • Ethical standards and professional boundaries.
  • Informed consent and scope of competence.
  • Case illustrations in diverse clinical contexts.

Evaluating Outcomes and Maintaining Competence

  • Routine outcome monitoring and feedback tools.
  • Reflection, supervision, and MI fidelity.
  • Continuing education and professional growth.

Relapse Prevention and Termination Planning

  • Preparing clients for maintenance and setbacks.
  • Using MI principles to re-engage post-relapse.
  • Designing booster sessions and follow-ups.
  • Ethical closure and continuity of care.

Conclusion and Continuing Growth

  • Summary of key takeaways.
  • Importance of lifelong learning and reflective practice.
  • MI as an ethical and collaborative foundation in anxiety treatment.