Audiologists are particularly good at “content/cognitive counseling” where they deal with technical aspects of care that are information-based. The mistake audiologists make in most situations is that they see their task as just supplying cognitive data—cold hard facts and descriptions. They want to be Dr. Explanatory. There is a lack of comfort and experience in managing affect or feeling statements. Feelings are the major factor that make patients feel connected to us. This session will address the major psychological dynamics that hearing loss patients often present. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based method of patient communication/counseling that is designed to manage a variety of health problems such as smoking cessation, drug/alcohol addiction and diabetes management. MI goals are to resolve patient ambivalence, elicit “change talk” and move patients toward their goals, values and behavior change. Participants will receive “hands-on” training in MI.
Speakers: Robert Traynor, Ed.D., MBA.; David Citron, III, Ph.D.; Victor Bray, Ph.D.