I used to remember things in black and white—things were either right or wrong, with no space in between. But now, I’ve learned to look at life through three colors:
Black – the things I’ve learned not to do again.
White – the things I know are good for me and want to keep doing.
Gray – the space in between, where I pause, reflect, and use Motivational Interviewing (MI) to guide my choices.
This shift has helped me grow with more balance, compassion, and clarity. Life isn’t always about choosing sides—it’s about learning when to listen, when to act, and when to ask myself what truly matters.
I did a short MI course because it was recommended to help when seeing patients struggling with addiction. The recommendation was to “learn a little MI, because it can be helpful.” It resonated well with me and the things I value so I have done more work and delving in. I do remember my whole life the non-MI way of commmnication that made me feel stifled and unseen and I don’t want to make others feel like that and have tried years before MI not to. I do appreciate MI for giving me more ways to look at how to do that and more ways to find support in doing that.
In 2004, I created one of the first 10 French university diplomas in patient education.
I had discovered MI with a young addiction specialist from the hospital where I worked.
I had to fight to get an introduction to MI included in the curriculum for this diploma. We were able to allocate three hours to it. I remember a nurse of the team refusing, saying MI was manipulation.
I started training in EM in 2008 and haven't stopped since.
Best advice I've heard: Teresa Moyers saying "put your pencil down".
I'm now a trainer. And there hasn't been a single training session where someone has asked me if MI is manipulation. Now I have the tools to lead that discussion.
Nevertheless, I must say that I'm starting to grow tired of living in an environment where, even today, we still have to defend MI.
Example: I just took part in a film screening and discussion on alcoholism in women. An addiction specialist was there. At no point—neither in the film (which was full of fixing reflex, yet everyone loved it) nor in the discussion—was Motivational Interviewing or its spirit mentioned as a therapeutic option.
I love Motivational Interviewing. I can't wait for it to become more widespread so I can focus more on practicing it than on constantly advocating for it.
France, 2025: I live in a region with 3,422,845 inhabitants. I am the only local trainer. And I go months without a single training contract.
So I love remembering my MI learning journey. And I love even more the idea of my future journey with MI, surrounded by a learning community where I can grow even further.
Today, I’m remembering everything non-MI that I grew up surrounded by — the constant advice-giving, the endless questioning that felt like interrogation, and conversations that had no sense of autonomy. All of this has helped me see the contrast between that and what MI truly offers. It reinforces my motivation to keep learning MI, not just to make it easier for myself, but to show up differently for others too
Today, and as part of my 100-day challenge, I’m focusing on integrating Motivational Interviewing into my daily life—with family, friends, and of course, at work. It’s been a fun and eye-opening experience. I’m definitely making plenty of mistakes along the way, but like the saying goes: *we learn from our mistakes*. Each one is helping me grow and get better at it. I’m staying curious, open, and motivated to keep learning.
"Today I remember both my teachers in MI, and those who taught me by negative example what not to do. I also remember those persons I was not able to help because I did not know then what I know now."
I remember the uncomfortable interactions—the ones that left me feeling disrespected, defensive, or disconnected. Those moments taught me a different kind of lesson. They became clear reminders of how I didn’t want others to feel when interacting with me.
I remember receiving unsolicited advice and feeling the urge to push back, no matter how well-intended or good the advice was. Now I understand that reaction for what it was: a subconscious defense of autonomy, a natural response to feeling disempowered. That realization has deeply strengthened my respect for others.
I remember MI's belief that people already have within them what they need for real change to happen. There’s a kind of magic in helping someone draw out and discover their own ideas, wisdom, and way forward.
I appreciate you, Sky. You embody the spirit of MI so powerfully. You don’t just teach the method—you model the humility, compassion, and presence that make MI what it is. You give me, and so many others, something to strive toward being more like every day.
As I deepen my MI practice, I’m paying attention to the flow of energy—before, during, and after sessions—and being intentional about how I engage. I shift between observing and helping, anchored by a sense of curiosity and care. One step at a time, day by day!
I will remember my parents today, the ones that love us and often hurt us the most; I remember them for all the good and bad things they did. I do my best not to give unsolicited advice to my own children. Being grateful I was loved and being aware what I should not do anymore.
New to MI-trying to remember to ask my patients less questions to keep the conversation flowing.
If I do ask questions I am trying to focus on open ended questions......work in progress for me!
I used to remember things in black and white—things were either right or wrong, with no space in between. But now, I’ve learned to look at life through three colors:
Black – the things I’ve learned not to do again.
White – the things I know are good for me and want to keep doing.
Gray – the space in between, where I pause, reflect, and use Motivational Interviewing (MI) to guide my choices.
This shift has helped me grow with more balance, compassion, and clarity. Life isn’t always about choosing sides—it’s about learning when to listen, when to act, and when to ask myself what truly matters.
I did a short MI course because it was recommended to help when seeing patients struggling with addiction. The recommendation was to “learn a little MI, because it can be helpful.” It resonated well with me and the things I value so I have done more work and delving in. I do remember my whole life the non-MI way of commmnication that made me feel stifled and unseen and I don’t want to make others feel like that and have tried years before MI not to. I do appreciate MI for giving me more ways to look at how to do that and more ways to find support in doing that.
I remember 20 years ago.
In 2004, I created one of the first 10 French university diplomas in patient education.
I had discovered MI with a young addiction specialist from the hospital where I worked.
I had to fight to get an introduction to MI included in the curriculum for this diploma. We were able to allocate three hours to it. I remember a nurse of the team refusing, saying MI was manipulation.
I started training in EM in 2008 and haven't stopped since.
Best advice I've heard: Teresa Moyers saying "put your pencil down".
I'm now a trainer. And there hasn't been a single training session where someone has asked me if MI is manipulation. Now I have the tools to lead that discussion.
Nevertheless, I must say that I'm starting to grow tired of living in an environment where, even today, we still have to defend MI.
Example: I just took part in a film screening and discussion on alcoholism in women. An addiction specialist was there. At no point—neither in the film (which was full of fixing reflex, yet everyone loved it) nor in the discussion—was Motivational Interviewing or its spirit mentioned as a therapeutic option.
I love Motivational Interviewing. I can't wait for it to become more widespread so I can focus more on practicing it than on constantly advocating for it.
France, 2025: I live in a region with 3,422,845 inhabitants. I am the only local trainer. And I go months without a single training contract.
So I love remembering my MI learning journey. And I love even more the idea of my future journey with MI, surrounded by a learning community where I can grow even further.
Your passion for MI is palpable, Florence! Thanks for sharing your memories and future hopes.
Today, I’m remembering everything non-MI that I grew up surrounded by — the constant advice-giving, the endless questioning that felt like interrogation, and conversations that had no sense of autonomy. All of this has helped me see the contrast between that and what MI truly offers. It reinforces my motivation to keep learning MI, not just to make it easier for myself, but to show up differently for others too
Still here—just had a few really busy days!
Today, and as part of my 100-day challenge, I’m focusing on integrating Motivational Interviewing into my daily life—with family, friends, and of course, at work. It’s been a fun and eye-opening experience. I’m definitely making plenty of mistakes along the way, but like the saying goes: *we learn from our mistakes*. Each one is helping me grow and get better at it. I’m staying curious, open, and motivated to keep learning.
Thank you, Sky, for this quote:
"Today I remember both my teachers in MI, and those who taught me by negative example what not to do. I also remember those persons I was not able to help because I did not know then what I know now."
I remember the uncomfortable interactions—the ones that left me feeling disrespected, defensive, or disconnected. Those moments taught me a different kind of lesson. They became clear reminders of how I didn’t want others to feel when interacting with me.
I remember receiving unsolicited advice and feeling the urge to push back, no matter how well-intended or good the advice was. Now I understand that reaction for what it was: a subconscious defense of autonomy, a natural response to feeling disempowered. That realization has deeply strengthened my respect for others.
I remember MI's belief that people already have within them what they need for real change to happen. There’s a kind of magic in helping someone draw out and discover their own ideas, wisdom, and way forward.
I appreciate you, Sky. You embody the spirit of MI so powerfully. You don’t just teach the method—you model the humility, compassion, and presence that make MI what it is. You give me, and so many others, something to strive toward being more like every day.
Thank you Carol! I am practicing taking this in! - Sky
As I deepen my MI practice, I’m paying attention to the flow of energy—before, during, and after sessions—and being intentional about how I engage. I shift between observing and helping, anchored by a sense of curiosity and care. One step at a time, day by day!
I will remember my parents today, the ones that love us and often hurt us the most; I remember them for all the good and bad things they did. I do my best not to give unsolicited advice to my own children. Being grateful I was loved and being aware what I should not do anymore.