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Author and MI-Consultant
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Foto av Cornelia Schmidt, Arkadia Foto
Hi I'm Jennifer. And, I'm an Author!
Before, I never really thought of myself as an author, and didn’t really set out to become one either. The opportunity to write a chapter in a book about Motivational interviewing (MI) and children and young people was presented, I hesitantly said “yes”. I thought, what do I have to say that’s different from someone else? Aren’t there better, more knowledgeable, educated, and witty people than me to write articles, chapters and books? Yes, absolutely!
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But, I also have tons of knowledge, experience, ideas, and thoughts to share that may benefit someone else. So, this journey to authorpreneurship began and has been one of the most heart-warming, challenging, and developing experiences. I hope to inspire and motivate more people to share their knowledge and experience with readers across the globe.
Who am I?
I am an author, Motivational Interviewing (MI) trainer (aka MI-nerd), Cognitive Behavioural Coach, course creater, Canadian Swede, wife and mother of two teens, mom to a cute Casper, and Scrapbooker.
My writing is an expression of my work, dedication, and passion for Motivational Interviewing (MI) and for helping others be the best that they can be both professionally and privately.
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My education consists of a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, and a Bachelor of Science -Specialization Psychology Degree, from the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. I am a certified Psychological Coach, experienced trainer in MI, and member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT). I have several years of experience working with people, motivation and change in Canada and Sweden.
The Journey
My first book self-published in 2021, Lighthouse Conversations. Being a Beacon for Teens, was born out of the online course that I was creating just before the Covid-pandemic changed the world. My retired father, Gerald Ollis, spent hours helping me edit the text and turn my Swenglish into English. And when his motivation waivered, my mother, Sharon Ollis, was there to put up signs to gently remind him to proof the latest version. It was a family collaboration that I couldn’t have done without them.
I then translated Lighthouse Conversations. Being a Beacon for Teens, into Swedish and called it Kraften i snacket. Effektfull kommunikation med tonåringar. My goal in writing these books was to make MI’s respectful and motivational communication style accessible to everyone. These prevention-focused books aim to help adults support teens in challenging situations before any destructive, downward spiral from continuing. I want to help me readers become a beacon for others in need and hopefully, make the world an even better place.
As I continued to spread MI within the areas of family counselling, parenting, and the education system. Together with an MI-colleague, Malin Stihl, we decided to write a book for professionals in the Swedish educational system interested in applying Motivational Interviewing (MI) in their conversations with students, guardians or parents, and in the classroom setting. This book titled, MI-Motiverande samtal på högstadiet. Att stärka elevers lärande, was published by Gothia Kompetens/Komlitt in 2023.
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