I will add the slides, links, helpful websites and also answer questions before, during and after the workshop.

This padlet will remain open for 6 months and you can download a pdf of the board.

Really looking forward to meeting you all in Cardiff. Warmest wishes, Orla

The way we want.

Then resisting, and ultimately suffering, when it isn’t.

The extent to which we want something is the extent to which we suffer when it doesn’t turn out that way.

How often does it turn out the way you want?

~ Ram Dass

least of all yourself (you only know you),

many things fall into place,

meaning you can come alongside

and guide.

At the right time that is.

What did he mean?

Let love be how you show up. It’s a choice. A practice. A way of being. You decide.

In more traditional contexts, praise is often downplayed or denied, especially in public or when coming from someone we do not know well. Accepting praise too directly can feel uncomfortable, as humility is culturally valued. Compliments may sometimes be interpreted as social politeness rather than something to internalise.

Affirmation can also require sensitivity. Indirect, specific, and context-aware feedback — often focused on actions rather than personal traits — may feel safer and more culturally attuned.

At the same time, this is not static. Generational differences, professional environments, and international cultural exposure all influence how individuals respond. Many Hong Kong professionals today are increasingly comfortable with direct recognition, particularly in international workplaces.

The Role of Formality: Pan and Pani

A major linguistic hurdle is the level of formality. English uses a universal "you," which naturally fits the MI "partnership" model. Polish requires a choice between the formal Pan/Pani (Sir/Madam) and the informal Ty. While MI advocates for egalitarianism, jumping to the informal Ty too quickly in a Polish clinical setting can feel like a boundary violation or a lack of professional respect. Many Polish clients expect a certain "professional gravity" (powaga) from a specialist. Using Pan/Pani while providing affirmations shows respect for the client’s status and makes the praise feel more professional and "earned." It maintains a respectful distance that actually allows for deeper "Epistemic Trust." 

Validating the "Grumble" (Narzekanie)

A unique aspect of Polish communication is the cultural norm of "grumbling." In the UK, a client's focus on obstacles might be labeled as "Sustain Talk" (resistance to change). However, for a Polish client, identifying every possible problem is often a sign of intelligence and "realistic thinking." In this context, the most powerful affirmation isn't about the client's "inner light"—it is the validation of the difficulty. By affirming that "This situation is objectively very difficult," you build more trust than by trying to "bright-side" the situation. Acknowledging the harsh reality proves you are a "realist" who is worth listening to.

Competence and Logic over Sentiment

English MI often prioritizes "Emotional Affirmation" to boost self-esteem. Polish culture tends to prioritize Competence and Logic. A Polish client is more likely to feel empowered when you affirm their analytical skills or their track record of execution rather than their feelings. For example, instead of affirming how they feel about a change, you might affirm the logic they used to reach a conclusion: "You have analysed the risks of your current behaviour and developed a plan with a high probability of success."

Directness and Professional Gravity

The linguistic structure of Polish also favors directness. English MI relies heavily on "softeners" like "I wonder if..." or "It seems to me..." In a Polish setting, this can sometimes come across as a lack of confidence or even intellectual dishonesty. Polish clients often respond better to direct, declarative facts. Affirmations delivered as straightforward observations—rather than soft suggestions—carry more weight.

Summary: Low-Frequency, High-Precision

To succeed with a Polish client, a practitioner should move away from the high-frequency "cheerleader" style common in the West. Instead, adopt a low-frequency, high-precision model. By respecting the formal boundaries of Pan/Pani and focusing on logical validation over emotional praise, you prove to the client that you are seeing their reality clearly rather than just trying to "make them feel better."

1. Calm – grounded and steady, even when difficult emotions are present.

2. Curious – open and interested in understanding what’s happening inside.

3. Clear – able to see situations and parts without confusion or overwhelm.

4. Compassionate – kind and caring toward oneself and one’s parts.

5. Confident – trusting in one’s capacity to handle challenges.

6. Courageous – willing to face difficult experiences and emotions.

7. Creative – flexible and open to new possibilities and solutions.

8. Connected – feeling connected to oneself and others.

It’ll fit. Arguably, much of ACT is already in MI.

I think a more powerful blending would be with IFS.