Northern Illinois University
Department of Psychology
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Welcome to Let’s Talk, the podcast that explores Motivational Interviewing in the context of working with children and families. Join us as we define Motivational Interviewing, discuss its benefits in working with families, and provide strategies to avoid common pitfalls. Discover how this evidence-based approach can enhance communication, build trust, and foster positive change within families and even our own personal lives. Click the link and Let’s Talk because change begins with a conversation.

Listen to episode 1 on Spotify

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Welcome to Let’s Talk!  In this episode, we will discuss how to avoid falling into the “Righting Reflex Trap”. This is when we begin with providing solutions immediately when we see what is wrong and when working with children and families this approach can hinder the process of change.  Tune in as La Tanya and Michelle provide information on how to empower families by fostering effective communication and collaboration to avoid this trap.

Listen to episode 2 on Spotify

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Welcome to Let’s Talk! In this episode, Michelle and La Tanya delve into the topic Avoiding the Expert Trap when working with children and families. We will discuss how using Motivational Interviewing skills help to avoid this common trap and shift your perspective to becoming a partner and empowering families to take the lead in their own change journeys.

Listen to episode 3 on Spotify

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Join La Tanya and Michelle on Let’s Talk as we explore the Question-and-Answer Trap.  We will discuss how to use Motivational Interviewing skills to avoid this trap and provide effective ways to gather information, understand needs, and create a comfortable and safe environment. Click the link, tune in and enhance your Motivational Interviewing skills while working with children and families!

Listen to episode 4 on Spotify

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On this episode of Let’s Talk, Michelle and La Tanya explore the spirit of Motivational Interviewing: Partnership, Acceptance, Compassion, and Evocation or for short P.A.C.E. Join the conversation and invite your peers as we share valuable MI tips and tools for incorporating the spirit of MI when working with children and families. So, click the link and Let’s Talk and embrace the spirit of MI together!

Listen to episode 5 on Spotify

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Join La Tanya, Michelle, and special guest Verletta Saxon, Ph.D., CRC, QMHP on Let’s Talk as they explore the transformative power of reflective listening in Motivational Interviewing. Experience the profound impact of being truly heard and understood, while cultivating a strong partnership with children and families. Don’t miss this enlightening interview – click the link and join the conversation today!

Dr. Saxon is the Deputy of Research and Child Well-Being at the Illinois Department of Children and Families (DCFS) and a Licensed Clinical Practicing Counselor (LCPC) who is passionate about well-being, well-becoming and resilience. She believes that children, youth, and adults can transform their lives by building and developing relationships, fostering a sense of belonging, and leveraging their strengths to achieve their goals. Her bold mission is to be a well-being ambassador who supports lifelong learning and helps others find purpose and power in their lives.

Listen to episode 6 on Spotify

Read episode 6 transcript (DOCX)