Talking To Change - A Motivational Interviewing Podcast Ep 91 – MI for Intimate Partner Violence
Oct 6, 2025
Ken McMaster, a seasoned social work practitioner and author, dives into the transformative power of motivational interviewing (MI) in addressing intimate partner violence. He highlights the importance of curiosity over confrontation to engage clients effectively. Ken also emphasizes the need to explore clients' histories with violence while maintaining compassion and accountability. By combining MI with cognitive-behavioral therapy and innovative tools like AI, he seeks to foster intrinsic motivation and support men in their journey toward positive change.
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Compassion Prevents Colluding With Violence
- Confrontation often mirrors the violence we're trying to stop and increases resistance.
- Maintaining compassion, curiosity and connection creates conditions for real change.
Open With A Relationship-To-Violence Question
- Ask clients "What's your relationship to violence?" to open story without blaming.
- Use the answer to soften rebuttal and move toward responsibility and change.
Screen Readiness And Set A Clear Focus
- Check readiness to talk, prior conversations, and what makes a place safe enough for change.
- Clarify specific focus areas and measurable situations to target in the program.
He is known for his innovative practice ideas and the ability to translate theory into practice. He has held positions as a member and Chair of the Family Violence Advisory Committee/ Te Rangai Whiriwhiri Tukinotanga a-Whānau. This committee was established to provide the Minister of Social Services and Employment with independent policy advice on matters related to government initiatives within the family violence arena. He was also a founding member of the National Network of Stopping Violence Services/Te Kupenga Whakaoti Mahi Putanga and is a past chair. Ken worked on the Respondent Program Regulations for the Domestic Violence Act (1995). In addition, he has worked as a part-time lecturer in Social Work at Canterbury University and is now involved full-time with HMA as manager, writer of materials and principal trainer. He has been a member of the Domestic Violence Act Program Approvals Committee for the Ministry of Justice.