Learn about MILO
Everyone knows that discussing tough topics with your teen and young adult children can be hard
Motivational Interviewing (“MI”) is a communication style that health professionals use to talk with patients about making healthy changes like reducing drug and alcohol use, taking medications regularly, or other lifestyle improvements. MI is based on the premise that the best way to influence another person’s behavior is by respecting their autonomy and creating space for them to explore their own ambivalence and (hopefully) motivation for change. Dr. Emily Kline, a clinical psychologist at Boston Medical Center and assistant professor at Boston University, has created a curriculum to teach parents and other loved ones MI-inspired communication strategies.
Although using MI requires training and practice, the building blocks are simple ideas such as asking open ended questions, listening carefully, and repeating back what you heard. We help parents and other family members have better conversations about difficult issues with teens and young adults through training, research, and community outreach.
How can I learn Motivational Interviewing for Loved Ones?
If you are struggling to be a positive guide in a young person’s life and would like to learn MILO skills, we have resources for you!
FREE e-course: The School of Hard Talks Online
The School of Hard Talks Online is a FREE e-course that you can do at your own pace to learn MILO skills. This e-course has 7 modules, each of which takes about 10 minutes to complete. You can view the modules as many times as you like.
Receive one-on-one coaching in MILO skills
Contact our team via email, text, or voice call if you would like to work with a MILO coach to have better conversations with your family. Participation can be either on Zoom or in person.
MILO Training for Your Organization
The MILO teams provides motivational interviewing training and consultation to professionals and organizations that would like to learn new strategies to support families and communities. Past and ongoing projects include:
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Consultation to mental health clinics about how to incorporate MILO materials and themes into family treatment
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Training for behavioral health clinicians and paraprofessionals in motivational interviewing skills
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Training for community health workers who want to use motivational interviewing to promote client engagement and vaccine acceptance
Contact our team to start a discussion about MILO training and consultation for your organization.
