Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidenced-based and highly effective method of communication, that encompasses the latest research and practical methodology in human development and growth.

Through research into human behavior, we now have a better understanding of the ‘Why’ of change.

MI helps people figure out their ‘why’s of behavior’ – an understanding of motivation that leads to natural uplifting insight, momentum, and adherence to change.

Posted on LinkedIn by East Bay College Fund: Check out visiting expert Suzanne Alfandari, training our new mentors in Motivational Interviewing at our New Mentor Training last week! It's an empathetic mode of counseling our mentors use to help scholars make important decisions and resolve issues 🎉 ✨

Suzanne D. Alfandari, M.S, LMFT, is an experienced and passionate Motivational Interviewing (MI) trainer. She a member of MINT, the International Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers, and a MINT Certified Trainer.

The Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) is an international organization of trainers, whose central interest is to improve the quality and effectiveness of counseling and consultations about behavior change.

Suzanne trains mental health practitioners (peer providers, coaches, interns, social workers, therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, supervisors), nurses, doctors, teachers, and administrative staff, in behavioral health agencies, other organizations, county agencies, and high schools through universities, where there are opportunities for the community to benefit from Motivational Interviewing skills.

Suzanne with Bill Miller, founder of MI at the MINT Forum in New Orleans, 2018

Geared to the specific needs of the participants, Suzanne incorporates adult-learning and multi-modality techniques in her tailored trainings.

On staff for 15+ years at Marin County Mental Health, Suzanne created core curriculum and taught MI to psychology student interns. She trained staff to use MI in consultations and administrative meetings.

Suzanne is an MI Trainer for UC Davis Extension, Davis, CA and the Bay Area Academy with California State University in Fresno, CA.

She also offers individual and group MI consultation and coaching for therapists, coaches, counselors and health care professionals who are applying to become MINT members.

TESTIMONIALS

“Suzanne is wonderful! She does a fantastic, thorough modeling, and assisting. Grateful for the training.”

Participant from BACR CoCoLEADPlus, Antioch, CA

“It rocked. I loved the first MI training I did-and it was very thorough-and I was thrilled that this covered a lot of new techniques and material while reinforcing past training.”

Participant from Ginger.io, San Francisco, CA

“Suzanne was phenomenal! She is truly an expert in this subject and a great resource to have. I hope to receive coaching from her in the future.”

Participant from Sacramento State University, Sacramento, CA

“Amazing teacher- very enthusiastic. Well put together training- very fun and engaging!”

Participant from UC Davis Extension, Davis, CA

“Excellent training- the trainer was responsive, receptive, gave feedback, so helpful!”

Participant from Catholic Charities, San Francisco, CA

“Great training! Wish I would have had it when I started 5 years ago.”

Participant from Monterey County Department of Social Services, CalWORKs Employment Services (CWES), Salinas, CA

“Suzanne is a patient, compassionate coach while never letting any change talk in you go unrecognized. I am living evidence of Suzanne’s MI coaching skill: 9 months of Suzanne‘s coaching brought me from zero knowledge of MI to MINT! My husband now is also working with Suzanne for MINT.”

Ju-Lu Kuo RN MSN CHPN, Founder, Transform2Action Life Coaching