Last week I had the distinct fortune of meeting one of the greatest teams I have ever worked alongside.
This is not mere hyperbole, the Stepping Stones team from Shropshire County Council were exemplary. They were clearly very motivated, non-judgemental, open and honest, in fact their authenticity shone through. I was blown away by their commitment to their clients, both children and families. The way they spoke about their roles was joyous. It was plain to see that they had made a promise to make a difference to people in Shropshire.
A massive heartfelt thank you to: Ash, Carla, Cat, Catherine, Ellen, Huw, Julie, Lara, Lorraine, Nadine, Natasha, Rachel and Shara.
They spent two days with me, taking part in my Inspiring Change – Motivational Interviewing training. I have created the course bespoke for the learners from Shropshire and it was clearly evident that the troops understood how much effort I put into creating my course. I ensure that I meet the learning needs of individual learners and includes interviews, training films, hands on kinaesthetic learning aids etc. The process of learning can be made to look easy; it really isn’t. It was heartening to hear how the learners understood my commitment to training.
Each member of the team was hugely motivated and inspirational. Here is a quick over-view of what Stepping Stones do and stand for:
“The aim of Stepping Stones is to keep children with their families in a safe and nurturing environment. Since April 2021 they have worked with over 170 children so far and still counting. Stepping Stones is a therapeutic team that provides individualised support for children and their families. The consent led outreach workers are flexible to the specific needs of their clients, with the overall aim for clients to live as a family together. Stepping Stones want families to be happy, healthy, safe and will strive to make this happen; by working with clients every step of the way.”
And so, here is what the troops had to say about the training, 100% positive feedback and I was extremely proud to be associated with such a vibrant and beautiful team of human beings.
“I really enjoyed the interactivity of the sessions and really thought that I learnt more by putting what we had talked about into practice and having an opportunity for feedback from a knowledgeable instructor was excellent and something that I can really put into practice moving forward.”
“When you are told you have two days of training online, a feeling of existential dread after lockdown can creep in. However, following Day one with Steve, straight away as a learner you knew this was not just an ordinary Zoom training. Steve kept the activities flowing, well-paced and mixed styles to match all learning preferences. His animated delivery and humour made for a great two days.
This was not my first rodeo learning Motivational Interviewing Techniques; however, it was some time ago that I completed the training. The level, pace and delivery over the last two days were fantastic, and rather than being a Surface learner which Zoom can often take you to, Steve ensured the learning over the last two days hits home both practically and theoretically. His style and charisma enable the topic to be embedded into your brain with very real examples of the challenges we face in our work.
I am a learner with additional needs, although academic, a theorist and reflector, I am conscious that during online learning it can take me a little longer to process the task at hand. Due to the consideration to different styles, worksheets at hand, auditory explanations, mixed group dynamics and video/ pictorial input, I found my additional needs were met. Diversity was subtly catered for without having to be outwardly explanatory about it.
A brilliant two days, and I noted even our shyest colleagues spoke up confidently during this training which was lovely to see. Overall, an enjoyable two days of training which can be easily woven and embedded in practice. The emphasis on particular elements during the course will make it easier to pick up key tools to use and suggest when coaching others within my role management and supervision of others and also through our group supervisions where we look together at possible methods to engage our families.”
“The most fun, engaging, and interactive online course I have taken part in. Steven is very knowledgeable and delivers the course with a great sense of humour. I have learnt a lot of new skills and feel better equipped for the challenges I face within my role.”
“Steven was excellent, Motivational interviewing is an Art but with and practice I believe I will use it in my role as senior practitioner. The training was interactive and fun which made it easier to follow - I have gained many tools that I can use that will enable me to confidently use in my role.
The videos allowed me to see situations w ere the skills were used and scenarios in which I could practice in the future. The break out rooms were also excellent as the different perspectives for everyone helped . And as I had the opportunity to be with different people over the two days I learnt a lot from others on the course.”
“I didn’t know what Motivational Training was about until I came attended so I was intrigued to find out more. Steve is amazing. He has a wealth of knowledge and he kept the energy up throughout the two days of training with his enthusiasm about the subject. His directions were clear and understood and I have learnt so much which has helped me to reflect on my approach whenever I see my families. Thank you Steve.”
“Excellent training. I was apprehensive doing two days online but it was great and really informative and everything explained really well. I normally do not like doing break out rooms either however this was a great 2 days and I learnt a lot. Thank you.”
“You made the conversations looks so straight forward and flowing, and delivered the training in a way that was so understandable, Thank you so much for your insight to motivational interviewing!”
“The training was very engaging and informative; I imagine it would have been even better if in person. Steven is a wonderful individual, who is very funny, intelligent, and has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share. The course was very valuable when reflecting on my own practises as an outreach worker, and I think that it will be very beneficial when applying therapeutic interventions when the families I work with. I can also see benefit in using motivation interviewing skills with colleagues and family members.”
“Steven was absolutely great. I dread having training sessions on line as they can be boring and not very interactive. Steven was the opposite as a training you didn’t have time to switch off he was very engaging, fun and informative. What a great training session and an even better trainer!”
“FABULOUS 2 DAYS REALLY INFORMATIVE AND USEFUL!”