Motivational Interviewing Training for Veterans and Their Families: New Approaches to Supporting Those in Uncertain Situations

🗓 On June 27, 2025, within the framework of the 8th All-Ukrainian Summer School with International Participation, and in cooperation with the Veteran Development Center of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, a hybrid-format training on Motivational Interviewing (MI) was held — a modern communication approach aimed at fostering personal change through reflective, respectful, and non-confrontational dialogue. Some participants attended in person, while others joined online.

The training was conducted by Svitlana Kaminska, a psychologist at the Veteran Mental Health Center of Excellence at the Institute of Psychiatry of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. The audience included veterans and their family members who seek to better understand themselves, improve relationships with loved ones, and support others.

🔹 Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative conversation style that helps individuals explore their intrinsic motivation for change in behavior, mental health, habits, or personal decisions. Unlike directive approaches, MI is based on empathy, partnership, and respect for individual autonomy. This method is particularly effective when working with veterans who often face ambivalence in decision-making, behavioral change, or responses to complex challenges.

👥 During the training, participants learned the core principles of MI, practiced communication scenarios, and gained basic skills in applying MI micro-techniques in daily life.

This event marks another important step in expanding support tools that can transform not only individual experiences but also contribute to the recovery and resilience of entire communities.