In this episode, Peter Rives, MSW, LCSWA, LCASA, shares his presentation from the Governor’s Institute’s 2025 Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Conference. Focused on motivational interviewing (MI), this session explores how MI can be used to effectively engage adolescents in conversations about behavior change—especially when they're feeling unsure or resistant.

Peter breaks down the core principles and spirit of motivational interviewing, offers practical tips for applying MI techniques in real-life clinical settings, and highlights common challenges providers may face when working with young people navigating substance use.

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