Brief Interventions Training
Compassionate, client-centred conversations about change in a limited timeframe
Motivational tools to improve health outcomes for at-risk individuals
Brief Interventions (A subset of Motivational Interviewing) are designed to enhance motivation for individuals at risk of poor outcomes. Originally developed to address substance use problems and alcohol abuse, they have become a foundational approach in supporting people to take action on health information and advice. They are often delivered as a single session, but can be part of a broader continuum of care.
CCMI’s Brief Interventions approach focuses on offering information and advice in ways that increase the likelihood of behavior change. It can be tailored to various issues such as alcohol use, drug use, risky behaviour, and other mental health or lifestyle challenges. This flexibility allows the method to be adapted for a range of audiences and settings.
Brief Intervention techniques emphasize empathy, collaboration, and the promotion of self-efficacy, optimism, and realistic planning (Colorado Clinical Guideline Collaborative, United States).
The goal is to build confidence and momentum for change, no matter the health issue at hand. Their evidence-informed nature and adaptable structure make them a valuable part of the broader growing body of evidence for effective health behavior support.
What Brief Interventions training options are available for clinicians?
If you’re a clinician or work in any private or public health setting, and you’re looking to improve patient engagement or support behaviour change, Brief Interventions training can equip you with practical, evidence-informed tools. From motivational interviewing techniques to substance use conversations, these targeted courses are designed to fit real-world demands in a variety of settings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everyday appointments – such as routine check-ups or walk-in consultations, offer ideal moments to apply Brief Interventions. As a professional, you can build your skills in delivering focused, time-sensitive guidance that fits seamlessly into everyday interactions, helping patients reflect and take meaningful steps toward change.
Brief Interventions are a valuable complement to substance abuse treatment programmes. By mastering these techniques, professionals can support patient engagement early in the care journey, reinforce motivation throughout recovery, and even help family members understand their role in supporting behavioural change. These interventions have been shown to reduce excessive drinking and contribute to significant reductions in substance-related harm.
In primary care settings, Brief Interventions allow clinicians to integrate evidence-informed behaviour change strategies into routine appointments. Whether addressing alcohol use, risky behaviours, or mental health concerns, these short, goal-oriented conversations can improve outcomes and build trust—without requiring lengthy sessions or specialist referral.