Presented by Alison Sim and Claire Richardson, this three-hour professional development workshop is designed for osteopaths working in private practice and focuses on the application of Motivational Interviewing (MI) principles within osteopathic clinical practice.
You will develop practical, evidence-informed communication skills that can strengthen therapeutic relationships, support patient engagement, and enhance clinician confidence when managing complex presentations.
The workshop will emphasise practical application, with opportunities for discussion, demonstration, and skills practice throughout.
Learning objectives:
1. Describe the core principles of Motivational Interviewing
Articulate the foundational spirit and key processes of MI and explain how they apply within
osteopathic clinical practice.
2. Apply reflective listening and patient-centred communication techniques
Demonstrate the use of open questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries (OARS) in clinical
interactions to build rapport and therapeutic alliance. Learn how to utilise practical MI tools such as the
confidence and importance ruler.
3. Identify and work with patient ambivalence
Recognise ambivalence toward behaviour change in clinical presentations and apply MI strategies to
explore and resolve ambivalence in a respectful and collaborative manner.
4. Navigate complex and emotionally charged consultations
Use MI-informed communication skills to manage difficult conversations, including those involving
fear, distress, low motivation, and strong or fixed beliefs about pain and recovery.
5. Support patient engagement and self-management
Apply communication strategies that strengthen patient confidence, support self-efficacy, and
facilitate engagement with rehabilitation, physical activity, and self-management behaviours. Establish
therapeutic alliance aimed at improving engagement with health behaviours.
6. Integrate MI skills into everyday osteopathic practice
Identify opportunities to incorporate MI principles across a range of clinical presentations, including
persistent pain, return-to-work conversations, and adherence to treatment plans.
7. Recognise the role of communication in pain management
Explain the relationship between therapeutic communication, patient experience, and outcomes in
persistent musculoskeletal pain and describe how MI complements a biopsychosocial approach to
care.
Presenters:
Alison Sim PhD BSc(Health Sci), MHSc(Osteo), MSc Med(Pain) | Advanced Practice Pain Osteopath
Alison Sim is an osteopath, pain researcher and clinician with over 25 years of clinical experience and
more than a decade working in persistent pain management and early intervention. She holds a PhD from The University of Sydney focused on early intervention and distress following injury and currently works clinically in pain management while also undertaking research and education activities. Alison has
extensive experience delivering professional education to clinicians across pain management,
communication and behavioural health topics.
Claire Richardson BSc(Health Sci), MHSc(Osteo), Prof.Cert.(Pain Sci.) | Advanced Practice Pain Osteopath
Claire Richardson is an Advanced Practice Pain Management Osteopath with extensive clinical experience in the management of persistent musculoskeletal pain. Claire has a strong interest in patient-centred care, communication strategies, and supporting behavioural change within clinical practice.
She has experience delivering education and mentoring clinicians working with complex pain
presentations and brings a practical, evidence-informed approach to clinician communication and patient engagement.
Disclaimer: Information correct at the time of publication.