Molly Magill’s interest in psychology and social work started in high school
Her current research is focused on therapist or counselor training methods that are based on common factors of established behavioral interventions. The training method that is most exciting to Dr. Magill is motivational interviewing (MI). This technique recognizes there are multiple avenues to change and that the therapist’s job is to activate the natural process for clients. Dr. Magill believes the “gifts” that MI gave to addictions research and the clinical field are, love, appreciation, acceptance, and compassion for clients and a way to operationalize and train people how to do it. The training culture had gotten away from providing on-the-spot feedback to therapists. Now, because of motivational interviewing, instant feedback becoming popular again. According to Dr. Magill, MI forces you to stop, be present, and listen and believe what the clients says matters and is of value. This is a good practice for people everywhere to follow.
Listen to the full conversation with Dr. Magill on one of the several podcast players:
