Motivational Interviewing and Diabetes: A Deep Dive with Dr. Michael Fulop

On this episode we talk to Dr. Michael Fulop, a clinical psychologist in Portland, Oregon who lives with type 1.  Michael's used his perspective in his work with children and adults with diabetes, often with co occurring learning, emotional, or attentional disorders. He's been very involved in research with Type 1 and practices using motivational interviewing. He has been a huge advocate and support for our diabetes community, and I hope you enjoy our conversation.

Featured on this Episode:
As a practicing clinical psychologist, Michael Fulop was attracted to MI because of his work with people struggling to manage or make changes in how they manage chronic illnesses such as Type 1 diabetes, ADHD, learning disorders, obesity, and the issues often accompanying these problems. Dr. Fulop was drawn to MI due to his own personal experiences with medical providers.

Because he lives with T1 diabetes every day, he is often “a patient, too.” He has seen a bevy of health care providers. One thing he has noticed is that he does much better with doctors, nurses, and even medical assistants who treat him with respect and don’t treat him as a “case.”

“I’ve found the best way to engage with my clients is to listen with a deep respect for their plight, their skills, what they are doing well; to get out of the way of their already earnest change efforts. I try to put aside my own needs to appear smart, to warn, cajole, instruct, teach, or confront.”

He thinks the most important efficient manner of learning MI is through focused practice and feedback. He feels there is no magic path or “best way” to train people in MI & motivation enhancement.

Dr. Fulop’s training principles:

• Humility
• Curiosity
• Start where you are
• Stay open

Learn more about Dr. Fulop’s MI Training Journey

What is Motivational Interviewing
dr.michael.fulop@bdtxpdx.com