![]() 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). |
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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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