ODL 365: Beyond Buzzwords: Using Motivational Interviewing to Foster Authentic ADEI Environments

Created On:  11/3/25   Revised On: 8/14/26                  

Target Audience:

This course is targeted for social workers, psychologists, counselors, nurses and case managers.

Instructional Level:

Intermediate

Counselor Skill Groups: 

8. Legal, Ethical and Professional Development

Overview:

Creating meaningful and sustainable accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) in environments requires more than policy updates and mission statements. It demands a shift in mindset, communication, and interpersonal engagement. This 5-hour training explores how Motivational Interviewing (MI)—a collaborative, person- and relationship-centered communication style—can serve as a powerful tool to engage individuals, teams, and systems in the intentional creation of ADEI-centered experiences.

Through interactive discussions, case studies, and guided practice, participants will explore how the core principles of MI (such as expressing authenticity and empathy, returning to relationship, and supporting self-efficacy) can be used to address implicit bias, foster inclusive dialogue, build trust across differences, and promote cultural humility in a variety of professional settings. Participants will leave equipped with practical MI strategies to apply in supervision, client engagement, workplace culture, and organizational change efforts.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the session, the participant will be able to:

• Define key components of accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) and describe how they intersect with social work and psychology ethical principles.
• Identify the core principles and communication strategies of Motivational Interviewing and explain their relevance in fostering inclusive and equity-driven environments.
• Demonstrate the use of open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries (OARS) to engage in genuine, supportive, and responsive dialogue that promotes respect for diversity and culturally responsive practices.
• Analyze case scenarios where Motivational Interviewing can be used to address resistance, promote perspective-taking, and support organizational ADEI goals.
• Develop a personal action plan integrating Motivational Interviewing skills to enhance ADEI efforts in participants’ specific practice or organizational settings.

Presenter:

Rhonda DiNovo, LMSW, MSW, ADC-IP

Rhonda DiNovo serves as Clinical Assistant Professor, MSW Program Coordinator, and Coordinator of the Graduate Drug and Addictions Studies Certificate Program in the College of Social Work at the University of South Carolina. She teaches students important theoretical and practical approaches in interdisciplinary health and mental health, as well as principles and practices of motivational interviewing and cognitive behavior therapy. Rhonda also serves as Field Supervisor and Director of the West Columbia Outreach Program, a police social work outreach service offered through the West Columbia Police Department that provides brief screening, assessment, and referral to treatment services and community resources to those in mental health and substance use crises.  Prior to becoming a full-time faculty member in the College of Social Work, Rhonda served 3 years as Director of Substance Abuse Prevention and Education for the University of South Carolina, and 8 years as Prevention Specialist for adolescents and their families at LRADAC.