Conversation 39 - Motivational Interviewing for Staying Grounded When Headlines Aren't...

Send us Fan MailWhen the headlines won’t quit and the room feels charged, how do we stay grounded, ethical, and genuinely helpful? We sit down with counselor educator and MI trainer Kim Barrella to explore motivational interviewing as more than a technique—it’s a way of being that centers autonomy, partnership, and compassion, even when politics enter the session. Together, we unpack how MI helps clients and clinicians navigate anger, fatigue, and moral distress without slipping into persuasion or avoidance.Kim shares how complex reflections and thoughtful summaries can transform ambivalence—from “I’m stuck” to “I have choices”—and why that shift matters for LGBTQIA+ clients facing policy pressure and minority stress. We talk about aligning our work with shared ethical codes while protecting client trust, and how MI naturally complements modalities like CBT, DBT, and EMDR. You’ll hear practical language for real scenarios: responding to polarization in session, handling direct questions about your views, and finding sustainable actions when doomscrolling drains your energy.This conversation also moves beyond the therapy hour. We explore using MI in supervision and leadership, naming the push-pull of advocacy, and building resilience through small, values-aligned steps. If you’ve been craving a clearer path through uncertainty—one that honors dignity, reduces burnout, and keeps the focus where it belongs—this episode offers tools and encouragement to carry into your next session.If this resonates, share it with a colleague, subscribe for more thoughtful conversations, and leave a review to help others find the show. What MI move helps you stay present when the world feels loud?Resources  from the episode:https://www.facebook.com/NavigateCounselingandConsultationhttps://www.instagram.com/navigate_counseling/https://www.navigatecounseling.org/OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounselingConnect with Us on Any/All Socials at our Link Tree!If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Marisa Cargill·Pre-Production & Coordination by Marisa Cargill & Victoria Frazier·Editing by Marisa Cargill·Original music selections by Elijah Satoru Wood