Host: Jason Craig, Knowledge Lead, PABC Guest: Patrick Dessaulles, Physiotherapist & PABC Professional Development / Member Supports

In this episode of New Directions, Jason sits down with physiotherapist and PABC team member Patrick Dessaulles to explore how Motivational Interviewing (MI) can deepen therapeutic relationships, support behaviour change, and reduce burnout for clinicians. Patrick explains the “spirit” of MI, why ambivalence is normal, and how a few core communication skills can integrate into every day physio practice.

In this episode, they discuss:

• What motivational interviewing is and how it grew from addictions work into broader health care
• The “spirit” of MI: compassion, acceptance, partnership, and evocation
• How MI strengthens therapeutic alliance and fits squarely within person-centred care
• Ambivalence: why it’s normal (“I know exercise helps… but I never do it”) and how MI helps people move from stuck to ready to act
• Concrete physio examples: chronic low back pain, post-surgical rehab, and the classic “fix me” client
• Core MI communication skills (OARS):
  • Open-ended questions
  • Affirmations
  • Reflections
  • Summaries
• How MI can:
  • Increase engagement, autonomy, adherence, and satisfaction for clients
  • Decrease “fix-me” pressure and help buffer clinician burnout
• Common misconceptions, including the idea that MI is a 5-minute “technique” rather than a way of being throughout the whole interaction

Resources & next steps for PABC members

• Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) – foundational MI info and demo videos
  • https://motivationalinterviewing.org/
• Center for Collaboration, Motivation and Innovation- Free Introductory MI course
  • https://centrecmi.ca/resources/
• PABC Motivational Interviewing Mentorship Hours
  • Monthly, free for members via the BC Physio app
  • Lightly guided space to practice skills, ask questions, and apply MI to real cases
• Foundations of Motivational Interviewing Course (Spring)
  • A virtual, multi-session PABC course (5 × 4-hour webinars + 1:1 practice)
  • Free to PABC members — details and registration to come
• Connect with Patrick:
  • 📧 patrick@bcphysio.org
  • 📧 membersupport@bcphysio.org
• BC Physio Advocate Community Platform & app – for members wanting to stay connected and engaged in advocacy and professional development
  • https://www.bc.physio/feed