Motivational Interviewing across Culture: Optimizing Practice BOOK

This pragmatic guide describes tested ways to adapt motivational interviewing (MI) to
optimize outcomes when practitioner and client come from different cultural
backgrounds; in particular, when clients are members of marginalized groups. Using
rich examples and sample dialogues, Christina S. Lee shows how affirming a client's
cultural identity is part and parcel of MI's humanistic, person-centered mindset. The
book provides instruction on key therapeutic tasks, such as strengthening rapport,
asking about culture without stereotyping, and inquiring about experiences of stigma
and discrimination in a way that increases motivation to change. Links between social
and structural determinants of health, sociocultural stressors, mental health disparities,
and substance use are highlighted. Special features include "Pause and Consider"
sidebars and end-of-chapter key takeaway points.


•Needed, culturally sensitive adaptation of the in-demand MI approach.
•For providers at all levels, including alcohol and drug counselors, pastoral counselors,
social workers, nurses, and therapists.
•Provides tools to optimize work with minority clients while staying true to MI's
humanistic, whole-person mindset.
•Clinical dialogues with commentary, "pause and consider" sidebars, and key takeaway
lists bring the model to life.