I’ve never climbed a tree—I'm a city girl. But I love lying under one, reading, enjoying the shade, or simply daydreaming. Trees have always given me a sense of safety and peace.
That’s why the MI Tree resonates deeply with me. Its solid foundation—the spirit of Motivational Interviewing—nurtures the growth of OARS, Tasks, Change Talk, and more. Like a real tree, it grows gradually, rooted in safety, trust, and the client’s readiness to open up and engage in the MI process.
When I look at the MI tree, I feel overwhelmed as I can’t possibly do that. I like thinking of climbing trees though because it is just taking one branch at a time I am excited about going through the parts!
I love this MI tree so much Sky! We had a massive Oak tree in our front yard growing up, and my sister and I would climb halfway up and build forts up there all the time. Then we'd take a little radio, and I would sit up there for hours writing or just listening to music surrounded by the beautiful blooming tree.
This MI big picture chart is so cool as it brings the entire tree and MI concept into a whole-picture perspective. Can't wait to jump into the component parts of MI! Thank you!
Thank you for the beautiful pictures capturing the quiet joy of children among the branches, and for sharing Robert Frost’s poem “Birches.” I really enjoyed hearing him recite it.
Our Rose of Sharons would bend to the ground under the weight of ice—some fine memories there. We’d watch them day by day after the thaw, wondering if the branches would rise again. We had to wait for spring to know if they’d survived. We kept a close, hopeful eye on those trees.
I grew up with boys—lots of boys—and trees—lots of trees. Some trees were easy, with low branches. Others needed a rope with thick knots tossed over a high limb so we could hoist ourselves up. And for the tallest ones—where even the lowest branches were too high to reach—my father nailed wooden slats into the trunks, making a ladder to climb.
My favorite tree had the perfect spot—just enough room for me to sit alone, away from too many boys. Up there, I could let my guard down and daydream. I remember evenings on the porch, rocking in my mother’s lap, watching the treetops move with the breeze. She’d tell me the mama birds were rocking their babies to sleep.
Seeing the MI Tree brings to mind the way we grow into this work—the stages we all pass through when building something new:
Four Stages of Competence (Learning Model)
Unconscious Incompetence
"I don't know what I don't know."
We’re unaware of the skill and its value—or of our lack of ability.
Conscious Incompetence
"I know what I don’t know."
We recognize the skill’s importance but lack proficiency. Ouch! This stage can be uncomfortable.
Conscious Competence
"I can do it, but I have to think about it."
We’re able to perform the skill, but it still takes focus and effort. Practice, practice.
Unconscious Competence
"I can do it effortlessly."
We keep our MI skills sharp through practice—and oversight!
I loved climbing trees with all the kids on my street! Roots to branches, everything felt connected. That’s how MI feels to me: grounded, expansive, and flowing in all directions. Life affirming; just like a tree.
I LOVED climbing trees as a little girl. Robert Frost's poem The Road Not Taken enchanted me when I first heard it and it's been the theme of my life since.
I'm excited to climb the MI Tree with this group. Your 100 days is keeping me reminded and motivated to complete my application to the MINT - thank you!
Jalene, how exciting to see you climbing this tree to the top! I’m cheering you on as you move forward with your MINT application—what a gift you’ll be to the community. If you’d like someone to practice with for your 20-minute recorded interview, I’m here to help.
I’ve never climbed a tree—I'm a city girl. But I love lying under one, reading, enjoying the shade, or simply daydreaming. Trees have always given me a sense of safety and peace.
That’s why the MI Tree resonates deeply with me. Its solid foundation—the spirit of Motivational Interviewing—nurtures the growth of OARS, Tasks, Change Talk, and more. Like a real tree, it grows gradually, rooted in safety, trust, and the client’s readiness to open up and engage in the MI process.
The MI Tree grows alongside the client.
Beautiful reframe! Trees are amazing! We are so lucky!
"Like a real tree, it grows gradually, rooted in safety, trust, and the client’s readiness to open up and engage in the MI process." Wow!
When I look at the MI tree, I feel overwhelmed as I can’t possibly do that. I like thinking of climbing trees though because it is just taking one branch at a time I am excited about going through the parts!
Branch by branch - I love it!
I love this MI tree so much Sky! We had a massive Oak tree in our front yard growing up, and my sister and I would climb halfway up and build forts up there all the time. Then we'd take a little radio, and I would sit up there for hours writing or just listening to music surrounded by the beautiful blooming tree.
This MI big picture chart is so cool as it brings the entire tree and MI concept into a whole-picture perspective. Can't wait to jump into the component parts of MI! Thank you!
Oh, I remember that too! Little scratchy transistor radios! Thank you Lisa!
Sky,
Thank you for the beautiful pictures capturing the quiet joy of children among the branches, and for sharing Robert Frost’s poem “Birches.” I really enjoyed hearing him recite it.
Our Rose of Sharons would bend to the ground under the weight of ice—some fine memories there. We’d watch them day by day after the thaw, wondering if the branches would rise again. We had to wait for spring to know if they’d survived. We kept a close, hopeful eye on those trees.
Yes, our spruce do the same thing here. Hope and Resilience
I grew up with boys—lots of boys—and trees—lots of trees. Some trees were easy, with low branches. Others needed a rope with thick knots tossed over a high limb so we could hoist ourselves up. And for the tallest ones—where even the lowest branches were too high to reach—my father nailed wooden slats into the trunks, making a ladder to climb.
My favorite tree had the perfect spot—just enough room for me to sit alone, away from too many boys. Up there, I could let my guard down and daydream. I remember evenings on the porch, rocking in my mother’s lap, watching the treetops move with the breeze. She’d tell me the mama birds were rocking their babies to sleep.
Seeing the MI Tree brings to mind the way we grow into this work—the stages we all pass through when building something new:
Four Stages of Competence (Learning Model)
Unconscious Incompetence
"I don't know what I don't know."
We’re unaware of the skill and its value—or of our lack of ability.
Conscious Incompetence
"I know what I don’t know."
We recognize the skill’s importance but lack proficiency. Ouch! This stage can be uncomfortable.
Conscious Competence
"I can do it, but I have to think about it."
We’re able to perform the skill, but it still takes focus and effort. Practice, practice.
Unconscious Competence
"I can do it effortlessly."
We keep our MI skills sharp through practice—and oversight!
Here’s to the climb.
This one's a keeper Carol. Both the poetry and the Stages. Thank you! - Sky
I loved climbing trees with all the kids on my street! Roots to branches, everything felt connected. That’s how MI feels to me: grounded, expansive, and flowing in all directions. Life affirming; just like a tree.
Everything felt connected!
I LOVED climbing trees as a little girl. Robert Frost's poem The Road Not Taken enchanted me when I first heard it and it's been the theme of my life since.
I'm excited to climb the MI Tree with this group. Your 100 days is keeping me reminded and motivated to complete my application to the MINT - thank you!
Glad you are going for it Jalene!!! - Sky
Jalene, how exciting to see you climbing this tree to the top! I’m cheering you on as you move forward with your MINT application—what a gift you’ll be to the community. If you’d like someone to practice with for your 20-minute recorded interview, I’m here to help.