This article explores Macro MI as described by Avruch & Shaia. The article discusses terms such as structural competency, socially engineered trauma, and working with macro issues in the micro setting. Stigma, oppression, and social justice are discussed in the community mental health and substance use settings.

Being a compassionate mess means that we take the stance of a lifelong learner who will definitely make clumsy mistakes along the way. Finally the aspiration of becoming a cultural compassionate mess calls us to work with our own difficult emotions that arise as we explore taboo topics such as race, class, gender, sexual orientation and the like – these emotions will arise and we can respond to them with kindness and understanding. We could subdivide the categories of cultural compassionate messiness into 3 categories: compassionate critical self-reflection, cultural conversations with compassion, and compassionate approach to institutional accountability.

Inquiry is a term that is used in Mindful Self Compassion Teaching (MSC), and more recently it has been adopted for use in MSC based therapy. In this article I explore what Inquiry means, how to do it in the therapy room, and some ways in which it is similar to the practice of Motivational Interviewing (MI).

Recently, my colleagues and I were discussing ways to create learning environments that foster inclusion and belonging. During this conversation the question came up: “is the MI Spirit of Compassion, Acceptance, Partnership, and Evocation missing something?” I surprised myself with the enthusiasm of my reply “yes!” In this article, I hope to better explain why I hold this opinion. I will review some key points from Liberation Psychology and Cultural Humility. Ultimately, I will propose a new component that could be added to the MI Spirit.

As practitioners of Motivational Interviewing (MI), we aim to help others through compassion. Whether we are trainers, case workers, supervisors, physical therapists or play other roles, we practice MI as a skillful way to express our desire to be of benefit to others. We are united by our aim to reduce suffering and increase happiness in those we serve. But do we extend this same compassionate intention to ourselves? This article explores how Mindful Self Compassion (MSC) can be helpful in practicing and teaching Motivational Interviewing (MI).

This article discusses the concept of compassion in both Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). An overview of the concept of compassion in each approach is discussed, and the article suggests that the practice of MI would benefit from incorporation aspects of CFT’s concepts about compassion and the “three flows of compassion.”

This article discussed seeking and accepting feedback as a core skill needed in Cultural Humility (CH). The article draws on the book “Thanks for the Feedback” to discuss how one might begin to think about building these skills.

This article discusses microaggressions and proposes some approaches to preventing and mitigating microaggressions using Motivational Interviewing (MI) and micro affirmations.

This article discussed LARA communication (Listen Affirm Respond Add) in the context of communication across difference. The article suggests a revision to this communication approach that includes compassion termed “Clara 2.0.”

This article discusses the use of MI in academic advising and compares a motivational approach to academic advising to other reflective approaches.

This article explores the practice of venting and impacts that it can have on us.

This article explores the use of mindfulness in various helping styles.

This article discusses the use of acceptance in Motivational Interviewing (MI), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT).