Motivational Interviewing for Substance Use Training

We are excited to offer the second series of the highly successful Motivational Interviewing for Substance Use training with Dr. Fiona Holland. This specialised training has been designed specifically to support frontline Derbyshire professionals to develop and refine their motivational interviewing (MI) skills, enhancing their ability to engage effectively with individuals facing substance misuse challenges.

This training will be delivered over three sessions

Tuesday 30th September 9.30am-4.30pm - Delivered in person at DAAS, Dents Chambers, Chesterfield, S40 1AH
Tuesday 25th November 9.30am - 11.30am - Delivered online
Tuesday 27th January 9.30am - 11.30am - Delivered online

What to Expect:

Expert-led Training: Learn from Dr. Holland, a behaviour change expert with specialised knowledge in motivational interviewing. Dr. Holland will be supported by one of our experienced trainers in substance use and addiction who can support you with questions and queries relating to substance use and treatment available in Derbyshire.
Foundational Skills and Principles of Motivational Interviewing (MI).
Interactive Activities to practice key MI techniques, including: rapport building, avoiding the fixing reflex, reflective listening, asking effective questions, using affirmations and summaries, identifying and exploring change talk, giving advice and sharing concerns effectively.

Skill Development: Build and strengthen core MI skills, equipping you with practical tools to apply in real-world settings.
Peer Support Sessions: Participate in additional peer support sessions, offering a collaborative and supportive environment to practice new skills, share experiences, and receive advice and guidance.
Increased Confidence: Gain confidence in raising sensitive topics such as substance misuse, empowering you to facilitate meaningful conversations and support individuals in exploring change.
Ongoing Learning: Take advantage of opportunities for continued knowledge sharing, further training, and professional development.

Please Note

Spaces are limited! To keep the course interactive and allow for a good mix of perspectives, we’re limiting bookings to 3 learners per organisation. This helps create a rich, multi-agency environment where you’ll have the chance to connect with other frontline professionals, hear different approaches, and learn from a wide range of experiences and skills.

About the trainers:

Dr Fiona Holland is a Motivational Interviewing trainer and member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers. She is also a Senior Academic on the MSc in Behaviour Change at the University of Derby. She has a background in applied health promotional and lifestyle change.

Teresa Oxley is a longstanding trainer at DAAS, with extensive experience in delivering alcohol, substance use and addiction training. With a background in counselling, Teresa now specialises in training frontline professionals, enhancing their knowledge and awareness of alcohol and substance use. Through teaching brief motivational techniques, she helps build their confidence to engage in meaningful conversations about addiction.

Feedback from the first series of training:

All learners reported increased confidence using Motivational Interviewing!

“I really found this useful and a 'safe' space to practice.”

“It was good to have it over 3 sessions so that we could practice in-between sessions and discuss our experiences”

“I've received positive feedback from clients who have been ambivalent about making change. They have felt more comfortable to share concerns and get help.”

“I found Fionas delivery of the content professional, insightful, easy to understand and enjoyable”

What our previous learners asked for and what we’ve done for this series of MI Training:

“More skills practice” - We agree! In preparation for our second series of Motivational Interviewing training, we’ve included more peer support practice sessions which will be offered after each training session to help with skill building and confidence.
“More practice with Dr Fiona Holland” - Absolutely! Not only are we providing more peer support practice sessions, Dr Fiona Holland will also provide personalised feedback and support to learners to really embed their MI skills in practice.
“Face to face delivery for the longer sessions” - We agree! Engaging for a full day of training online can be challenging. For this series of training, the full day sessions will be delivered face to face here at Dents Chambers in Chesterfield. This will allow you to network with other learners, stay engaged and focused – it also means they’ll be biscuits and warm beverages! The following shorter sessions and peer support groups will be delivered online.
“Training in change resistance” - You’ll be excited to learn, we’ll be providing an additional session in March 2026 on Working With Ambivalence and Resistance To Change. This session will be available to those who attended the first and second series of MI training to support continued learning and development of MI skills in practice. Details will be provided later in the year!

How to Book

Book directly on Eventbrite. This course is free for anyone working or volunteering in health, social care, or community work in Derbyshire.

To ask questions:

📧 Email: training@daas.uk.com

📞 Call: 01246 206514 and ask for the training team

A Quick Heads-Up Before the MI Training

It’s not a requirement to attend our Alcohol and Substance Awareness sessions beforehand, but we’d definitely recommend it. They’re a great way to brush up on your knowledge and can give you a solid base to build your confidence during the MI course.

We run these awareness sessions online and in person, so there’s flexibility depending on what suits you. Feel free to check out our upcoming dates Derbyshire Addictions Advice Service Events - 24 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite