2026 Pre-Conference Training
About this Training
This full-day, interactive ASCA Official Training introduces participants to Motivational Interviewing strategies that support students in moving toward meaningful, positive change. Grounded in the Stages of Change model, the workshop provides practical, research-informed tools for eliciting “change talk,” strengthening motivation, and responding effectively to resistance.
Through guided practice and real-world application, participants will learn how to ask intentional open-ended questions, use readiness and confidence rulers, and apply reflective listening techniques that promote academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth.
This training is ideal for school-based professionals, including counselors, social workers, psychologists, administrators, nurses, as well as private therapists and others who support student mental health and well-being.
Cost:
• MSCA Members: $50
• Non-Members: $75
Lunch is included.
Event Details
📍 Location
GranTree Inn – Bozeman
Small Ballroom (Aspen & Tamarack rooms combined)
📅 Date
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
⏰ Time
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
A lunch break will be provided around noon. (1 hour)
📘 CEUs
Participants who complete the full training will receive 6 CEUs.
🍽️ Lunch
Lunch is included with registration.
About the Presenters
Kathy Biles, Ph.D., NCC
Dr. Biles is the School Counseling Program Coordinator at Oregon State University–Cascades in Bend, Oregon. She teaches courses in social justice and advocacy, school counseling, career counseling, and addictive behavior counseling. She also facilitates motivational interviewing trainings for schools and organizations nationwide.
Gene Eakin, Ph.D.
Dr. Eakin served as a school counselor for 27 years and is now the School Counseling Program Lead at Oregon State University–Corvallis. He used motivational interviewing strategies extensively with high school students from 2006–2008 and continues to train counselors across the country.
🙏 Special Thank You
We gratefully acknowledge the Montana State University Center for Mental Health Research and Recovery for their generous support in helping make this training possible.
