Course Description

This continuing education course explores the integration of Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), two of the most empirically supported approaches in psychotherapy. This training provides a structured yet relational framework for addressing ambivalence, enhancing client engagement, and improving adherence to evidence-based CBT interventions. Through a review of current research and detailed clinical applications, participants will learn to use MI’s collaborative, client-centered style to strengthen readiness and sustain motivation for behavioral and cognitive change. The course covers MI core skills (OARS), the stages of change model, CBT fundamentals, and targeted integration strategies for treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use disorders. Practical tools, sample dialogues, and ethical considerations are included to support immediate clinical implementation. This is an NBCC and Florida Board Approved course 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 Meets Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Course Text.pdf

Motivational Interviewing Meets Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Worksheet.pdf

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

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

Course Text: Motivational Interviewing Meets Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

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. Describe the theoretical foundations and empirical evidence supporting MI and CBT integration.
  2. Apply MI micro-skills (OARS) to enhance engagement and treatment readiness.
  3. Integrate MI principles into CBT interventions for anxiety, depression, and trauma.
  4. Utilize MI strategies to improve homework adherence and reduce treatment dropout.
  5. Demonstrate ethical and culturally responsive use of MI–CBT in clinical practice.

 Course Syllabus:

Foundations and Rationale for MI–CBT Integration
Understanding the evidence base and conceptual framework

  • Overview of CBT and MI as complementary evidence-based approaches.
  • Research findings on treatment engagement, adherence, and outcomes.
  • Rationale for integration—how MI enhances readiness for CBT tasks.
  • Review of recent studies (2023–2025) supporting MI–CBT applications.

 

Core Principles and Skills of Motivational Interviewing
Building motivational readiness through empathic communication

  • The Spirit of MI: collaboration, evocation, and autonomy.
  • OARS micro-skills: Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflections, Summaries.
  • Recognizing and evoking change talk while responding to sustain talk.
  • Applying the Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change) within clinical conversations.

 Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Fundamentals
Teaching clients the tools for lasting cognitive and behavioral change

  • The cognitive model: interaction of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
  • Key interventions: cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, exposure therapy.
  • Structuring CBT sessions and assigning effective homework.
  • Enhancing alliance and engagement through collaborative goal-setting.

 Practical Integration Strategies Across Clinical Contexts
Applying MI–CBT in anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use

  • Sequential and blended models of MI–CBT integration.
  • Using MI to enhance adherence to CBT homework and exposure tasks.
  • Values-based activation and motivational reframing for depression.
  • Case vignettes demonstrating integration across multiple diagnoses.

 Ethical, Cultural, and Supervision Considerations
Maintaining fidelity, ethics, and cultural sensitivity in integration

  • Ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, and informed consent.
  • Addressing cultural variations in motivation and engagement.
  • Preventing therapist drift and ensuring model fidelity.
  • Managing vicarious trauma and burnout through reflective supervision.

 Applied Practice and Telehealth Implementation
Bringing MI–CBT integration into modern clinical practice

  • Translating MI–CBT strategies to telehealth and blended care.
  • Maintaining alliance and empathy in virtual environments.
  • Tools for monitoring fidelity, progress, and outcomes.