“Susan is the “go-to” MI resource in Los Angeles and we’re all better for it. I needed local MI training to incorporate into a gang intervention program and was pleased to find that Susan offered this training. While attending the introductory class, I was thrilled with the depth of her knowledge and experience. She delivered the information with a warm and gentle spirit — something Susan would call the “MI spirit.” I was so pleased with the training, I was inspired to attend the intermediate and advanced workshops, all equally excellent. I was able to immediately incorporate the MI training into my psychotherapy practice, not just my work in gang intervention. This has been a powerful and effective tool that has provided value beyond expectations.”
— Bryan Nichols, Ph.D.
Psychologist?
— Stephanie E. Rudd, MSSA, LCSW, LCAC
Assistant Professor
University of Indianapolis
Phylis Lan Lin Department of Social Work
“Susan’s 2-day introductory class was excellent! She showed us how efficient and valuable MI can be to our work with patients. The precious nuggets and visual aids ingrained MI in my thought process for when I have an interaction with staff and others I am speaking with. I would recommend her workshop to anyone wanting a deeper understanding of MI and practical ways to apply it to their practice.”
— Kelly Isola RN, MSN, CCM
Clinical Nurse Educator Consultant. Training and Support
Blue Shield of California, Rancho Cordova
— Renee McNally
Health Care Services Trainer
SCAN Health Plan
“I have taken many communication courses in my 31+ year career span and I have learned the most, by far, out of this course. I look forward to the next course!”
— Sandra Calleros, DDS
“Susan greatly helped with building my MI skills through coding and coaching of tapes of conversations I had with clients. Through her coaching I was able to make positive movement towards becoming skilled at using MI. It was through her insight, role modeling of skills, and depth of knowledge in using MI, that allowed a novice learner such as myself to grow in proficiency with using MI and help facilitate conversations leading to change.”
— Tamara M. Fuatagavi
U.S. Probation Officer
“Training with Susan was an inspiration and regeneration to my practice and outlook on working with clients. Susan provided such a meaningful training that has enhanced my skills and engagement with clients. It has guided me to engage even more empathically and helped me listen to the heart of what a client is saying and how that may link to behavior change, their personal values, and even their fears.
As a social worker, I have been to multiple MI trainings and I often hear from colleagues that MI is something folks “already do” or “already understand” but I am reminded that MI is a lifelong journey and looks different with each client. It is a way of being not doing.”
— Melanie Ferrer-Vaughn, MSW
“Susan brought MI to life. The video clips, individual practices, and small group discussions solidified my learnings. I feel inspired to continue the journey of being MI.”
— Soraya Arango, MSW, LCSW
“I am in love with the MI techniques. In addition to feeling more confident about my active listening skills and behavior change abilities, I feel these techniques have already had a positive impact on my relationships and daily interactions.”
— Roxy Richardson, ACE CPT, SFG II
Co-Owner of Function5Fitness and head Muay Thai coach
“Susan’s MI workshops were one of the best post-medical school courses I have taken. She is an expert at helping the audience truly feel the spirit of MI. When taking a course that requires new language skills, practitioners often feel discouraged, but Susan has the capability of putting the audience at ease, making us feel comfortable with trying something new for the sake of improvement and learning and providing exercises that facilitate comprehension. The interactive sessions were intertwined with videos making the full days go by quickly. Susan is a true professional to work with and Memorial Care is fortunate to have had this opportunity to develop this communication skill set that will help us in motivating our patients to take charge of their own health. Motivational interviewing training should be a requirement for anyone involved in patient care.”
— Mimi Trinh, MD
Associate Medical Director
Department of Family Medicine
MemorialCare Medical Group
“The Motivational Interviewing (MI) Introductory Workshop was one of the best training courses I have ever taken. Susan’s knowledge, expertise, and ability to create enthusiasm for MI was inspiring. Susan has the ability to connect with people and facilitate the education process. As a nurse, I am excited to be able to use MI with my patients. I believe the value of this training will enable me to improve my communication skills and make a positive difference with my patients. I truly feel that all nurses would benefit from MI training. I look forward to attending future workshops with Susan.”
— Stacey Barnett, RN, BSN
Team Lead Pre-Operative Medical Exam Clinic /ASU/Mayo Nursing Program Adjunct Faculty
“In Susan’s training, I learned the absolute best way to not only communicate but to humbly “be of service” is to think of listening as a privilege. I also learned our patients have the answers inside themselves, which was a great lesson to carry with me in addition to having and a very profound effect upon my work. Susan modeled and reinforced the core of MI and how empathy and compassion is truly elevating to the human spirit. She was very knowledgeable and thorough in her training. She was kind, open and receptive to comments and any type of questions. The class left me feeling restored!”
— Rachel Overby RN, BSN
“Susan is exceptional in teaching and demonstrating MI. Her classes are invaluable to my dental practice. They have profoundly changed the way I relate to my patients and reinvigorated my practice in ways I never imagined.”
— Sonny Chokka, DDS
Rialto Dental Group
“This stuff is SO IMPORTANT. I’ve been in counseling for over 20 years and it changed my practice. Back to the important lost art of listening.”
— Christine Loeb, LMFT, RD
“Motivational Interviewing has allowed our home visitors to focus on the clients’ strengths and be more family focused. With Susan’s expertise, our staff is able to respond to clients’ needs and concerns with reflection, empathy and strength. Susan is a wonderful trainer, with a wealth of wisdom to bring to the room. She is naturally able to model Motivational Interviewing during trainings, which serves as such an integral part of the learning and collaboration process.”
— Sharlene Gozalians, DrPH, MPH, CHES Los Angeles Best Babies
Network Senior Public Health Research Associate
“Susan’s MI training opened my eyes to the way I had been interacting with my obese pediatric patients and parents in underserved communities of Los Angeles. I was jumping in and giving them nutrition and physical activity advice without first building a foundation. Susan’s gentle yet powerful techniques helped me to make a subtle shift in my communication style. Now, I listen more and talk less. I let go of my agenda and ask families permission to offer suggestions. Families are now more engaged and in the process of making lifestyle changes. I’ve found the children to be excited to come to their appointments to let me know about the healthy habits they’re developing. I highly recommend Susan’s MI training for anyone providing a service to others.”
— Anne Traynor, RN, FNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Supervisor Cedars-Sinai COACH for Kids/Families
“Motivational Interviewing is a powerful tool that benefits anyone in the helping field. It has helped me as a therapist to connect with clients in a way that empowers them and allows them to find the motivation to make changes in their lives. It’s amazing, when people are guided to identify the changes THEY want to make, how much more willing they are to embrace and follow through with them. I felt an immediate connection with Susan, and her passion for MI keeps drawing me back to learn more.”
— Karen Gilmore, LCSW
“As a hospice chaplain, I entered into people’s lives at a vulnerable time. Motivational Interviewing helped me listen better for their hopes and fears. It helped me assist my patients connect with their inner strength, to clarify their values, and help them accept and plan for changes that would come.”
— Rev. Robin Clardy, D.Min.
“Susan Dopart’s Motivational Interviewing course has helped me connect with my patients and draw the necessary information while being empathic and supportive. I feel that I am now more able to compassionately direct my patients to follow through with their goals and plans for self-improvement. My PT/Feldenkrais education links very well with Motivational Interviewing and Susan’s expert skills on relaying and engaging us in this learning process is remarkable.”
— Stacy Barrows, PT, GCFP, PMA-CPT; CoDirector of Century City Physical Therapy
“Motivational Interviewing is a modality that has given me skills to help my clients and myself with resolving ambivalence around behavior change. It is amazing to watch my clients tap into their own resources to improve their health outcomes and I no longer struggle with feelings of being responsible for their choices. Susan is an excellent trainer and as a result I was able to immediately implement this training into my practice.”
— Carmina McGee, MS, RDN, LE
“Susan creates a space and curriculum that support all attendees in practicing how to BE with clients more effectively. I left the day inspired by her clear and accessible teaching, and the incredible skill and daily contributions of the diverse group of professionals she’s attracted. Such an uplifting experience.”
— Heidi Neilson, MA, RYT Founder/Training Director Freedom in Motion Personal Training