Event Details

Knowing More by Saying Less:

Getting the Most out of Every Conversation and Interview

Presented by

Kirstin Kramer, Community Transition Coordinator

for Des Moines and Lee County Jails

Kirstin Kramer will introduce the basic concepts that drive both behavioral interviewing and motivational interviewing. These techniques allow the interviewer to get a better idea of likely future behavior of an interviewee and also elicit change in a colleague that 1) is struggling recognizing the presenting issue causing conflict at work and/or 2) having difficulty knowing where to start to make the change. She will be incorporating role-play examples and demonstrations to illustrate each technique.

Kirstin will also briefly discuss the benefits of coping skills such as mindfulness practice. She will introduce meditation techniques that are becoming more popular in the field of psychology to effectively identify and regulate stress or other overwhelming emotions, both of which are present in the work environment at times.

MVHRA attendees will learn how to:

• Understand the usefulness of behavioral and motivational interviewing techniques.
• Identify situations where the application of advanced interviewing techniques is most valuable. 

• Use motivational interviewing skills to elicit change.
• Apply mindfulness techniques as a coping mechanism for intense emotional experiences and thoughts that could potentially cause stress and anxiety.

Speaker’s Background & Experience

In May of 2014, Kirstin graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. Prior to that, she attended St. Ambrose University where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Psychology. Currently, at 25 years old Kirstin holds the newly created position of Community Transition Coordinator for Des Moines and Lee County Jails.

Her passion for forensic populations began with a lengthy internship at Scott County jail during her undergraduate experience and continued with a practicum opportunity at the Iowa Medical and Classification Center , which is also known as Oakdale Prison in Iowa City.

Kirstin is trained in behavioral interviewing to understand past behavior and motivational interviewing to elicit change in future behavior, specifically with challenging populations such as those housed in correctional institutions or inpatient psychiatric facilities.

She continues to develop progressive research to provide better assessment and treatment for these under-served populations and is excited to bring her knowledge and training to Mississippi Valley Human Resource Association.