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

Welcome back to Let's Talk…, a podcast brought to you by the Office of Research and Child Well-Being at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. We're excited to kick off Season 2 with a deep dive into the Transtheoretical Model, also known as the Stages of Change, and its connection to Motivational Interviewing (MI).

In this episode, hosts La Tanya Riggs and Michelle Moreno explore the first stage of change Precontemplation and how it shows up in our work with families. You'll hear how to recognize when someone isn't yet ready to change and how to use MI core skill Reflections to build engagement and reduce resistance. 

Listen to episode 1 on Spotify

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In this episode, La Tanya and Michelle dive into Stage 2: Contemplation a critical point in the Stages of Change where families may recognize a need for change but feel stuck in uncertainty. This is where sustain talk often surfaces statements like “I don’t think I can…” or “I’m not ready to…” and where the power of Motivational Interviewing really shines.

You’ll learn how to identify sustain talk and respond with empathy and intention using the Spirit of MI – partnership, acceptance, compassion, and evocation to support families in moving from contemplation to preparation.  We will use real-world examples, practical tips, and powerful insights to help you strengthen your MI practice and support families in meaningful ways. 

Listen to episode 2 on Spotify

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In this episode, La Tanya and Michelle guide us through Stage 3: Preparation where individuals recognize the need for change and begin to explore how they’ll take action. This is the stage where we start to hear Change Talk like “I want to…” or “I’m ready to…”

You’ll learn how to recognize these important cues and respond using Reflections and Summaries, two essential Motivational Interviewing tools that help build momentum and move families toward real transformation.  We’ll share practical tips, real-play examples, and MI strategies that help keep families engaged and moving forward without pressure or persuasion.  

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In this episode, La Tanya and Michelle dive into Stage 4: Action in the Stages of Change where families begin to actively shift behaviors, apply new strategies, and work toward their goals.

This stage is a turning point, and Affirmations play a powerful role in supporting families through it. You’ll learn how to affirm meaningfully by recognizing effort, honoring values, and reinforcing strengths so families feel seen, heard, and encouraged to keep going.

Discover how to move beyond praise and use affirmations as a tool to deepen trust, reduce discouragement, and celebrate real progress.  Click the link, tune in and enhance your Motivational Interviewing skills while working with children and families!

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In this episode, La Tanya and Michelle explore Stage 5: Maintenance, where families are sustaining real change and preparing to transition away from formal supports like DCFS. This is where change becomes part of daily life and where Partnership becomes more important than ever.

You’ll learn how to recognize signs that a family has reached the Maintenance stage and how to use the MI spirit especially Partnership to affirm progress, reinforce autonomy, and strengthen long-term support systems.  We discuss practical ways to collaborate with families as they build lasting habits, connect with community supports, and continue their journey without formal intervention. So, click the link and Let’s Talk and embrace the spirit of MI together! 

Listen to episode 5 on Spotify

Read episode 5 transcript (DOCX)