Talking To Change - A Motivational Interviewing Podcast - Ep 98 – Motivational Interviewing for Community Healthcare in Japan

Monday, October 12, 2026

Summary

How can Motivational Interviewing work in a busy community clinic? In this episode of Talking to Change, Dr Takeshi Shimada joins Glenn and Sebastian to explore brief healthcare consultations, the value of slowing down and the influence of Japanese culture on MI practice.

Dr Takeshi Shimada, guest on Talking to Change Episode 98

Takeshi is a physician specialising in diabetes care with more than two decades of clinical experience. He directs a community clinic in Osaka, Japan, where he sees around 80 patients a day, sometimes more than 90. He is particularly interested in how MI can be used meaningfully within brief medical encounters, rather than requiring a separate intervention.

Takeshi is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) and serves on the Board of the Japanese Association of Motivational Interviewing (JAMI). At the 2024 MINT Training for New Trainers (TNT) in Christchurch, New Zealand, he served as a Lead Trainer for the Japanese language group. He currently serves as a member of the MINT Endorsed TNT Committee, supporting the planning and organisation of MINT Endorsed Training for New Trainers internationally.

In addition to his clinical work, Takeshi is deeply interested in how MI is understood and practiced across different languages and cultures in East Asia. Building on his experience in Japan, he hopes to work with colleagues across East Asia to explore and develop culturally responsive approaches to MI training and reliable MI coding across languages, while remaining grounded in the spirit of MI.

In this episode

Glenn and Sebastian explore how Motivational Interviewing can become part of everyday healthcare conversations, even when practitioners have limited time. Drawing on Takeshi’s experiences in Japan, the discussion considers the value of slowing down, resisting the urge to provide immediate solutions, and creating space for patients to explore their own motivations.

The conversation also explores compassion in healthcare, the influence of Japanese cultural values on MI practice, and how reflections, affirmations and silence can support understanding. Takeshi shares his hopes for greater collaboration and culturally responsive MI training across East Asia.