A Culturally Sensitive View of Motivational

Course overview

Overview A Culturally Sensitive View of Motivational Interviewing is a training module that explores how Motivational Interviewing can be practiced through a culturally responsive approach to support individuals experiencing both mental health and substance use challenges. The training is grounded in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration publication TIP 35 and integrates insights from community perspectives. Participants will examine how culture, identity, and social context influence motivation, communication, and healing. The goal is to help professionals adapt Motivational Interviewing skills to respect diverse definitions of recovery and to empower clients to discover and strengthen their own motivation for change. Throughout the session, participants deepen their understanding of the core spirit of Motivational Interviewing, which includes partnership, acceptance, compassion, and evocation. They learn to apply the OARS method (open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries) to create meaningful, culturally sensitive dialogue. The training also focuses on integrating the Stages of Change model into trauma-informed, culturally aware practice. Participants will develop the ability to respond to resistance with empathy and curiosity rather than confrontation and will learn to use the DARN CAT and FRAMES frameworks to encourage change talk and guide effective brief interventions. The module also emphasizes relapse prevention and empowerment planning that honor cultural identity, community strengths, and personal values. Participants gain insight into how motivational principles can be embedded within agency culture, supervision practices, and service delivery to promote long-term engagement and equity in care. By the end of the training, participants will have an enhanced ability to integrate Motivational Interviewing techniques with cultural humility and confidence in facilitating conversations that affirm identity and autonomy. They will leave with practical tools for early engagement, relapse prevention, and empowerment planning, as well as a renewed commitment to applying motivational and culturally attuned practices within their agencies and communities.