Motivational Interviewing

Learn the communication approach that makes conversations about change feel collaborative.

Motivational Interviewing trainer Carrie Bader

About Carrie

I support people in developing their conversational skills as helpers - whether it's a doctor talking with a patient about their tobacco use, a social worker trying to help someone find housing, or a medical assistant broaching the topic of vaccines with a new parent. I teach skills that make these conversations feel less like a wrestling match and more like a dance. I first stumbled upon MI in 2007 and immediately connected with it; I have been a dedicated student ever since.

I'm a health educator, occupational therapist, and member of the international Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT), and a MINT-certified trainer. Over the past decade, I've worked with front-line staff, clinical professionals, administrators, and leadership across healthcare, education, and social services. I am based in Oregon, serving the Pacific Northwest.

Learn more about my background and specialty areas →

Contact me

Training Tailored to Meet Your Needs

Available in-person (Oregon & SW Washington) or online.

Note: I am fully booked for Motivational Interviewing trainings through June 2026. I am accepting new training requests for July 2026 and later.

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  • You've seen it happen: a well-trained professional offers perfect advice, and the client shuts down. Or worse, agrees in the moment but never follows through.

    What if your team could guide people toward change in a way that actually sticks?

  • Maybe you've noticed yourself giving advice that falls flat, or feeling frustrated when people 'just won't help themselves.' There's a better way to have these conversations—one that honors people's autonomy while gently guiding them forward.

    Do you want to be more effective in your helping relationships?

  • Motivational Interviewing skills are simple to understand but deceptively hard to master. Real growth happens when you can practice, get feedback, and refine your approach in a supportive space.

    Do you want to go deeper with your MI skills development?

  • Sometimes your team or conference attendees need a taste of what MI can do before committing to full training. A well-crafted introduction can spark curiosity, shift perspectives, and plant seeds for deeper learning down the road.

    Would you like a brief introduction to Motivational Interviewing for your organization or conference?

Who I’ve Worked With

Public Health & Government Agencies

Oregon Health Authority - Oregon State Hospital - Oregon Youth Authority - Oregon Immunization Program - Washington County Public Health - Lane County Public Health - American Cancer Society

Healthcare & Medical

PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center - OHSU Family Medicine at Richmond - Occupational Therapy Association of Oregon

Community & Behavioral Health

Lutheran Community Services Northwest -Morrison Child & Family Services - OHSU Intercultural Psychiatry Program - Boost Oregon - Help Me Grow - Oregon Community Health Workers Association

Education

Lane Community College - Linn-Benton Community College - Willamette Educational Service District - Northwest Immunization Conference - Pacific University School of Health Professions - University of Portland School of Nursing