Conferences
Motivational Interviewing as a Tool to Address Farm Stress and Transitions
Katie Wantoch and Trisha Wagner
Summary
UW Madison Division of Extension has developed a professional development program for educators from diverse disciplinary perspectives, in the use of Motivational Interviewing (MI). The program is a novel approach to emerging and ongoing challenges with a proven technique to engage clientele on particularly time-sensitive topics.
Due to ongoing economic conditions in agriculture, many farms are facing significant financial challenges, resulting in questions regarding the viability of the businesses. Educators are working with farmers, farm families and rural clientele who have experienced chronic stress in recent years. Motivational Interviewing is one communication tool of many techniques that can be applied to our effort in supporting farms, and farm families dealing with stress and transition.
The program increases the professional capacity of Extension educators by improving their communication and facilitation skills with the clientele they serve. As a result of this project, educators will gain confidence in their ability to engage and respond to sensitive conversations with clientele and will be in a better position to develop strong relationships and presence in communities they serve.
Presentation will discuss the program development, implementation and impact on educator skills and ability to engage in conversations on critical and time-sensitive topics of farm succession, stress management and mental health for farmers, farm families, and rural communities.
Details
| Conference | 2020 Extension Risk Management Education National Conference |
| Presentation Type | 30-Minute Concurrent |