Presenter Information
Co-Presenter & Contact Information for Training
Jesse Kaplan
RCPF, CPRSR-FE-AS, CPS
Barry Baer
Owner
Recovery Support Network
Direct: 602-545-7330 barry@recoverysupportnetwork.org www.recoveysupprtnetwork.org
Introduction to Peer Recovery Coaching + Foundations 2 Applying Motivational Interviewing for Empowering Conversations
Class Information
Date of Event
August 25, 2025*
Start Time
12:00 pm CST
End Time
2:00 pm CST
# of CE Hours Awarded
2 per class – Total 4
*Individual Classes Available Upon Request
Brief Description of Training
Introduction to Peer Recovery Coach
Delves into recovery coaching, equipping you with the skills to guide individuals seeking a life
free from addiction. Developed in collaboration between Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge
(MnTC) and Recovery Support Network (RSN), the program emphasizes a collaborative and
client-centered approach, empowering individuals to take charge of their recovery journey.
Foundations 2 Applying Motivational Interviewing for Empowering Conversations
This series equips you with Motivational Interviewing (MI) to navigate the coaching challenge of
ambivalence. Learn to use this respectful approach to evoke internal motivation and facilitate
self-discovery, moving beyond simple support. This client-centered method provides the tools
to empower individuals to take charge of their journey, fulfilling the program's core mission.
Learning Objectives
Introduction to Peer Recovery Coach :
• The Core of Recovery Coaching: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles, ethics, and boundaries that guide this vital profession. Learn how recovery coaching differs from other helping professions.
• Motivational Interviewing: Master truly hearing your clients. Develop essential skills in active listening and motivational interviewing (MI) techniques, fostering trust and encouraging selfdirected change.
• Building Trust and Connection: Explore the importance of building rapport and establishing a safe space for open communication. Learn how to navigate cultural differences and demonstrate empathy for diverse experiences.
• Goal Setting and Relapse Prevention: Craft a roadmap to success! This course equips you with the tools to help clients set SMART goals and develop personalized relapse prevention plans, empowering them to overcome challenges and maintain long-term recovery.
• Effective Communication: Discover how to communicate, assertively, and with empathy. Learn to navigate difficult conversations and foster productive coaching relationships.
• Self-Care for the Coach: While guiding others, maintaining your well-being is crucial. We'll explore essential self- care practices to ensure you can effectively support your clients throughout their journeys.
Foundations 2: Applying Motivational Interviewing for Empowering Conversations
• Define Motivational Interviewing: and its client-centered spirit of Partnership, Acceptance,
Compassion, and Evocation.
• Recognize the "Righting Reflex": and contrast it with the MI approach of guiding rather than
directing.
• Demonstrate the use of Open-Ended Questions: to encourage peers to explore their experiences
and motivations.
• Practice offering genuine Affirmations: to acknowledge a peer's strengths, resources, and efforts.
• Formulate both Simple and Complex Reflections to show active listening and deepen
understanding.
• Use Summaries: strategically to link conversational points and reinforce a peer's own expressed
motivations.
• Distinguish between "change talk": (language leaning toward change) and "sustain talk" (language
leaning toward the status quo).
• Apply OARS: skills to selectively respond to and evoke a peer's change talk.
• Respond respectfully: and non-confrontationally to sustain talk to maintain engagement and
rapport.
• Integrate all learned skills: (MI Spirit, OARS, and change talk responses) in a simulated peer
coaching conversation.