![]() I recently attended a training where we talked a lot about micro-aggressions on college campuses (Dela Pena, Travers, Welch, 2017). It was during this training that I first learned of the term micro-affirmations. In the world of Motivational Interviewing (MI) we talk a lot about intentional affirmations as statements highlighting a person’s characteristics, values, and hard work. Unlike these “macro affirmations” offered in MI, micro affirmations are more nuanced and subtle and they aim to validate experiences of others within a power structure. Since attending this training and learning a bit more about micro affirmations and micro aggressions, I think that those of us practicing MI and other helping strategies would do well to consider using some of these ideas in our approaches. In this article I will discuss the idea of micro-aggressions. Then I will focus a bit on what micro-affirmations are and some ways to use them. Finally, I will discuss some ways that these ideas may be included in an MI training.
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![]() Cultural Humility and Motivational Interviewing The concept of cultural humility refers to the practice of respecting folks from other backgrounds and identities on their own terms. A culturally humble approach seeks to understand others “in relation to aspects of cultural identity that are most important to the [person]” (Hook, 2013, p. 2). These most important aspects of one’s identity(ies) may not be obvious to others, thus the process of being culturally humble requires of the practitioner a non-judgmental curiosity, deep listening and self awareness among other qualities (Chavez, 2012; Tervalon & Murray-Garcia, 1998). ![]() Diversity, inclusion, compassion, integrity and mindfulness are some of my core values as an individual, trainer and clinician. The values of inclusion, compassion and mindfulness have driven me to the mental health field and to motivational interviewing. The values of diversity and integrity drew me towards the social justice field and to facilitating diversity dialogues. Cultural Humility (CH) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) seem like a natural fit to me. They compliment each other, and when combined I think that these two concepts make each other more whole and more effective. |
Jesse Jonesberg (Berg) is a mental health professional, field advisor, trainer, and MINT member. He is passionate about issues of mental health, diversity and motivational interviewing.
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Jesse@intrinsicchange.com |
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314.583.5881 |

Motivational Interviewing Trainings and Consulting.
Jesse Jonesberg (Berg) is a member of the MINT network and receives guidance and support from several MINT coaches.
Click here to see information on becoming a member of MINT.
(c) 2020 - Intrinsic Change
Jesse Jonesberg (Berg) is a member of the MINT network and receives guidance and support from several MINT coaches.
Click here to see information on becoming a member of MINT.
(c) 2020 - Intrinsic Change