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

Host: Patrick Dessaulles, Professional Development Lead, PABC Guest: Andrea Burton, CEO, PABC

In this episode of New Directions, Patrick sits down with PABC CEO Andrea Burton to look at what’s worrying—and what’s exciting in the physiotherapy landscape in BC over the next six months.

• Fees & funding pressures
  • Wide variation in clinic fees and the impact on insurer expectations.
  • Stagnant rates since before COVID and what that means for clinic sustainability.
  • The long-frozen MSP rate of $23/visit and how it affects patient access.
• Regulation & contracts
  • Ongoing uncertainty with the Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA).
  • Concerns about public practice contracts under HSA and how small physio’s voting power is.
  • WorkSafeBC service agreement renegotiation and lessons learned from the ICBC contract fight.
• Scope, imaging & system change
  • PABC’s push to add diagnostic imaging to physio scope and why it’s a game changer for access and wait times.
  • Upcoming position statement and webinar for members.
• Strengthening the profession & PABC’s role
  • Building more collegiality across public/private and between clinics.
  • PABC as the only organized physiotherapy voice under a multi-profession college.
  • How stories, member engagement, and working groups fuel real advocacy wins.

It’s been a landmark year for the Physiotherapy Association of BC! In this special conversation, CEO Andrea Burton and Director of Organizational Development Sean Cranbury reflect on advocacy wins that are shaping the future of physiotherapy.

From successfully pushing ICBC to revise unfair contract terms, to securing updates to our scope of practice for the first time in 15 years, to leading the charge on long-overdue MSP reforms—PABC has proven the power of persistence and collective voice.

With provisional licensing returning, WorkSafe negotiations underway, and momentum building around the new Health Professions and Occupations Act, the message is clear: physiotherapy is rising as a key voice in BC healthcare.

Backed by a bold 2024–2026 Strategic Plan focused on advocacy, collaboration, and cultural safety, PABC is moving into 2026 with strength, unity, and vision.

🎧 Tune in and be part of the movement advancing physiotherapy across BC!