Training in Motivational Interviewing as a Best Training Practice in Pediatric Psychology: Relationship to Core Competencies

Abstract

This article describes an innovative Motivational Interviewing (MI) training that is included in the current training program for psychology interns and fellows (trainees) at 1 institution and outlines how this training experience aligns with multiple core training competencies for pediatric psychologists. MI is an evidence-based approach to behavior change counseling that is efficacious in motivating change in many health-risk behaviors. The training module adds systematic practice with simulated patients and objective feedback regarding adherence and fidelity to MI principles and strategies to traditional didactics. This state-of-the-art training is particularly beneficial to our pediatric psychology trainees, as it impacts treatment interventions with their patients and families and maps onto several of the new pediatric psychology competencies. Specific examples of training components are provided and demonstrate how the MI training module aligns with the pediatric psychology competencies in several clusters: crosscutting knowledge competencies in pediatric psychology, interpersonal, professionalism, and application. MI training is well-suited to be included in competency-based training in pediatric psychology.