At JustINSPIRE Mentoring, we don’t just “show up” for young people—we build with purpose, with a framework rooted in research, lived experience, and love. Our mission is to disrupt stereotypes, reframe what manhood looks like, and help young men from underserved communities discover their power, voice, and vision.
Our model is intentionally designed using a blend of evidence-based theories: Social Learning Theory, Motivational Interviewing, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Strength-Based Counseling, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Life Design Theory. This combination not only informs how we mentor but transforms what mentoring looks like.
👁️🗨️ Social Learning Theory (Albert Bandura): Representation Matters
Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory teaches us that people learn through observation, imitation, and modeling. This is why representation is not optional—it’s essential.
Far too many boys—especially in urban neighborhoods—grow up void of positive male role models, and even fewer see Black men in roles of leadership, empathy, accountability, or growth. Without healthy models of manhood, their understanding is too often distorted by media, street myths, or survival mindsets.
JustINSPIRE places Black men front and center—not as saviors, but as guides. We model manhood not by perfection but through presence, reflection, and resilience. We live what we teach. We do the work with them, not for them.
🔗 Relevant: NYT on Importance of Male Mentors (2025)
🎙️ Motivational Interviewing: Let Them Tell Their Story
Our next layer is Motivational Interviewing—a method that empowers youth to own their narratives. We ask, we listen, and we reflect. We don’t dictate the story—they do. This builds agency, fosters self-awareness, and helps uncover where help is needed most.
Too many programs talk at youth. We talk with them—and more importantly, we let them talk to us. Their voice leads. Their truth matters.
Why Motivational Interviewing and Client-Centered Approaches are Essential for Black Male Empowerment:
- Addressing Mistrust and Systemic Trauma:
- Research: Many Black individuals, including youth, have experienced or witnessed systemic racism, discrimination, and negative interactions with institutions (e.g., healthcare, education, justice systems). This can lead to a deep-seated mistrust of professionals and formal interventions.
- MI’s Role: MI’s core principles of collaboration, evocation, and autonomy support directly counter this historical mistrust. By actively listening, validating experiences, and allowing the young man to lead the conversation and identify his own goals for change, you dismantle the power dynamic often associated with traditional, top-down approaches. This collaborative stance builds rapport and trust, which is foundational for any effective intervention with Black youth (Hohman & Salisbury, 2007; Aspire Counseling AL, n.d.).
- Narrative Therapy Connection: The idea of “not dictating their story” and “listening to it” resonates strongly with Narrative Therapy, which is increasingly recognized as a culturally responsive approach for trauma-exposed Black males. Narrative therapy views individuals as experts in their own lives, helping them to separate from internalized negative stories (often imposed by societal stereotypes) and develop empowering alternative “identity stories” (Garo & Lawson, 2019; Lau & Lawson, n.d.).
- Fostering Agency and Self-Efficacy:
- Research: Disempowering experiences can erode a young man’s sense of agency and self-efficacy (his belief in his ability to succeed).
- MI’s Role: MI is designed to enhance an individual’s intrinsic motivation for change by exploring and resolving ambivalence based on their personal goals and values. When a young person names what they want to change, it’s an act of self-determination. MI helps clarify that desire, strengthens their belief in their ability to achieve it (self-efficacy), and supports their autonomous movement toward it. This is crucial for empowerment, as it shifts the locus of control from external forces to the individual (Miller & Rollnick, 2002; TRIUMPH study on hypertension, 2014).
- Autonomy Support: Research based on Self-Determination Theory consistently shows that autonomy support (where individuals feel their choices and perspectives are valued) is essential for optimal learning, growth, and functioning (Reeve, 2009; Ryan & Deci, 2017). For Black males, who may face many external constraints, supporting their autonomy in the change process is a powerful act of empowerment. Studies show autonomy support is linked to greater adherence to health goals among Black men (Tadesse et al., 2023).
- Culturally Responsive and Strengths-Based:
- Research: Traditional mental health services have often been criticized for not being culturally sensitive to the unique experiences of Black individuals. Black youth, particularly males, may be skeptical of therapists and less likely to utilize mental health services, or terminate early (Lindsey et al., 2006; Carpenter-Song et al., 2010).
- MI’s Role: By focusing on the young man’s voice and intrinsic motivations, MI inherently becomes more culturally responsive. It doesn’t impose external values or solutions but instead draws upon the individual’s own strengths, values, and cultural context. This “person-centered” approach respects their individuality and allows for the integration of their lived experiences, including those related to race and discrimination, into the change process (Aspire Counseling AL, n.d.; Surace et al., 2022).
- Strengths-Based Mentoring: This approach aligns with recommendations for mentoring Black boys and young men of color, which emphasize a strengths-based perspective. It’s about identifying, respecting, and building upon the strengths of mentees, their communities, and social networks to bolster their potential for success (Mentoring.org, 2016).
- Mitigating Negative Outcomes Associated with “Difficult Clinical Encounters”:
- Research: One case report specifically highlights the use of MI to facilitate compliant psychiatric care for a Black male presenting to the Emergency Department with Suicidal Ideation. The MI technique established a therapeutic alliance for shared decision-making, which helped mitigate poor mental health outcomes linked to “difficult clinical encounters” often experienced by Black male patients (Clinical Case Reports Journal, 2021). This underscores how validating their voice and building trust can be life-saving.
🧱 Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: Speak to the Right Layer
Not every young man needs a vision board on day one. Some need socks. Food. A safe space. Maslow’s Hierarchy reminds us that not all conversations happen on the same level. And if a young person’s basic needs or sense of love and belonging haven’t been met, talking about future goals may fall flat.
We tailor our mentorship—one-on-one—based on where each young man is. We don’t assume. We assess, listen, and build from the ground up.
- Physiological Needs → Food security, safety
- Love & Belonging → Connection, trust, positive relationships
- Esteem → Confidence, recognition
- Self-Actualization → Vision, purpose, goal pursuit
This is differentiated mentorship, and it’s why our program isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Not every young man walks in needing a vision board. Some just need someone to show up. Maslow reminds us that needs are layered. We assess where each mentee is:
- Do they feel safe?
- Do they have consistent meals?
- Do they feel seen and valued?
From there, we build upward—toward confidence, purpose, and long-term goals.
This is differentiated mentoring done right.
Strength-Based Counseling: Start with What’s Strong
As a trained counselor with a Master’s in the field, I ground our work in Strength-Based Counseling. This approach refuses to pathologize our boys. Instead, it asks: What are you good at? What do you care about? What have you survived? We start from there.
We believe that every young man carries resilience, even if he hasn’t named it yet. Our job is to reflect it back to him.
Key principles of strength-based approaches include:
- Emphasis on inherent capacity: Everyone possesses unique strengths and the ability to grow.
- Client as expert: The individual is seen as the expert of their own life and holds the solutions to their challenges.
- Building on existing assets: Rather than fixing problems, the approach helps individuals identify and leverage their existing strengths to achieve goals.
- Hope-inducing and empowering: It fosters optimism and self-efficacy, leading to greater motivation for change.
- Focus on future possibilities: While acknowledging past struggles, the emphasis is on what can be achieved.
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT): Change Can Begin Now
SFBT teaches us that we don’t need to wait for rock bottom or the “perfect moment.” A small win, a shift in mindset, or even one successful day can ignite transformation.
Rather than focusing endlessly on problems, we explore solutions. We ask questions like:
- What’s working well right now?
- What would be different if tomorrow went better?
- What’s the next small step you could take?
These are action-oriented tools we use in every session.
Research and Theoretical Support:
- Positive Psychology and Positive Masculinity:
- Source: Kiselica, M. S., & Englar-Carlson, M. (2010). Identifying, affirming, and building upon male strengths: The Positive Psychology/Positive Masculinity model of psychotherapy with boys and men. Psychology of Men & Masculinity, 11(2), 118-132.
- Key takeaway: This article argues that much of the previous literature on the psychology of men focused on deficit models. They propose a “Positive Psychology/Positive Masculinity” (PPPM) framework that emphasizes male strengths as the starting point for psychotherapy. It highlights positive aspects of masculinity often overlooked, such as male relational styles (through shared activities), male ways of caring (action empathy), generative fatherhood, self-reliance, courage, and group orientation. This approach encourages therapists to build upon these inherent strengths rather than solely addressing perceived weaknesses.
- Self-Efficacy Theory (Albert Bandura):
- Core Idea: Self-efficacy is an individual’s belief in their capacity to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific performance attainments. It influences motivation, behavior, and thoughts.
- Application to Male Students: Strength-based counseling directly boosts self-efficacy by helping male students recognize and utilize their existing capabilities. When a male student identifies his strengths (e.g., problem-solving, leadership, creativity, resilience), he gains confidence in his ability to tackle challenges and achieve goals. This is crucial for academic success, social development, and navigating developmental stages. Research shows that strengths-based interventions can lead to increased self-efficacy and self-esteem (Psychiatry Online, 2016; Newport Institute, 2023).
- Salutogenesis (Aaron Antonovsky):
- Core Idea: This theory focuses on the origins of health and how individuals manage stress and stay healthy, rather than solely focusing on the origins of disease (pathogenesis). It emphasizes “sense of coherence” – a feeling of comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness.
- Application to Male Students: Strength-based counseling is inherently salutogenic. Instead of identifying problems to be fixed, it helps male students identify their “health assets” – internal and external resources that promote well-being and resilience. This can include personal qualities, supportive relationships, and community connections. By focusing on what makes them strong and healthy, it empowers male students to actively build and maintain their well-being.
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (Steve de Shazer & Insoo Kim Berg):
- Core Idea: SFBT is a prominent strength-based approach that focuses on solutions rather than problems. It asks questions about exceptions to problems, scaling questions (to gauge progress), and “miracle questions” (to envision a future where the problem is solved).
- Application to Male Students: This approach aligns well with many male communication styles, which can be more action-oriented and less inclined towards extensive emotional processing of problems. By focusing on practical solutions and what the student is already doing well or has done successfully in the past, it provides a direct, empowering path forward. It helps male students identify their resources and develop actionable steps, fostering a sense of control and accomplishment.
- Research on Strengths-Based Interventions in Educational Settings:
- Source: A 2020 review of 57 school-based positive psychology programs (which are inherently strengths-based) showed that more than half resulted in positive outcomes, including less stress, lower depression, less anxiety, fewer behavioral issues, better self-image, higher life satisfaction, and stronger social functioning (University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2024). While not exclusively focused on males, these findings suggest broad benefits applicable to male students.
- Specific application for African American Boys: A group counseling intervention based on an “Achieving Success Everyday Group Model” with African American third-grade boys focused on fostering cohesion, exploring strengths and interests, and building resilience to counteract negative stereotypes. This study highlighted how viewing students’ backgrounds as strengths and challenges as a result of external issues (rather than internal flaws) was a socially just and relational-cultural strengths-focused philosophy (ResearchGate, 2023).
Summary:
Strength-based counseling provides a powerful framework for supporting male student development by affirming their inherent worth, fostering a positive self-concept, building resilience, and equipping them with the tools to leverage their strengths for academic, personal, and social success. It aligns with developmental theories that emphasize growth, self-efficacy, and a focus on well-being rather than solely addressing deficits.
🧠 Chess as Life Practice
Chess is not a gimmick—it’s a mirror. The board becomes a space to develop strategic thinking, patience, foresight, and control. It teaches the reality that every move has consequences, and sometimes, you need to sacrifice to win the long game.
For some, the board also becomes a place of peace—a pause from a chaotic world. It’s focus training. It’s conversation without pressure. It’s brotherhood.
🎨 Life Design in Motion
Every interaction, whether in a workshop, a chess game, or a music session, is rooted in Life Design Theory. We believe that every man is the architect of his own life, but he needs the tools, the inspiration, and the support to build it.
We encourage exploration, reflection, and reimagining. When men hear each other speak authentically, they often find pieces of themselves. That’s the power of intentional community.
🎧 Music as Mirror and Megaphone
Music—especially hip-hop and rap—is one of the only spaces where Black men can fully express their inner world and be celebrated for it. That’s why we don’t just play music—we break it down, challenge it, and learn from it.
Music becomes a release valve, a cultural language, and a teaching tool. But we’re intentional: not all messages are healthy. We explore lyrics, symbolism, and emotion. We analyze what builds us up and what tears us down.
We allow young men to create, to share, and to challenge what they’ve been fed.
Key Areas of Support for Rap Lyrics as a Therapeutic Tool:
- Cultural Relevance and Engagement:
- Research: Many studies highlight that traditional therapeutic approaches may not resonate with all populations, particularly Black and Brown youth who may feel alienated by Eurocentric models of psychotherapy. Hip Hop, as a globally pervasive cultural phenomenon, provides an accessible and relatable entry point for therapy (Hall, A. (n.d.) in AFT, 2024; MHA National, 2024).
- Application: Using rap lyrics, whether pre-composed or through client creation, bridges cultural gaps and builds rapport. When therapists acknowledge and incorporate a young person’s preferred music, it demonstrates respect for their identity and lived experience, fostering trust and engagement (Heath & Arroyo, 2014; Cobbett, 2009 cited in Voices, 2015).
- Facilitating Self-Expression and Emotional Processing:
- Research: Rap is inherently a narrative art form, allowing for raw and unfiltered storytelling. Lyrical content often tackles taboo subjects, trauma, and difficult emotions. Research indicates that songwriting, including rap, serves as a powerful vehicle for processing emotions, experiences, and even trauma (Youth Music, 2023; NR Times, 2024; Dorsaint, S., 2019).
- Application:
- Lyric Analysis: Therapists can use existing rap lyrics to initiate dialogue, prompting clients to reflect on how the lyrics relate to their own life experiences, feelings, and challenges (Tillie-Allen, 2005 cited in Voices, 2015; Hadley & Yancy, 2012). This can help clients articulate what might be difficult to express directly.
- Songwriting/Freestyling: Creating original rap lyrics allows individuals to externalize their internal world, providing a cathartic outlet. It helps structure disorganized thoughts and feelings into a coherent narrative, making the unspeakable heard (Hall, A., n.d. in AFT, 2024; Liberty University, n.d.). This process can enhance self-awareness and provide a sense of mastery over difficult experiences.
- Trauma Processing and Nervous System Regulation:
- Research: The rhythmic and repetitive nature of rap, combined with its lyrical content, makes it optimal for processing trauma. Expressive arts, including drumming and singing, engage and settle the mind and body, making cognitive processing more accessible. Rap’s unique blend of rhythm and meaning bridges the mind-body gap, creating a grounding environment that can regulate the nervous system (Hall, A., n.d. in AFT, 2024).
- Application: The rhythm provides a container and a sense of safety, allowing individuals to explore traumatic memories or overwhelming emotions without being re-traumatized. The act of creating or engaging with rap can help shift individuals out of rigid patterns locked in by trauma.
- Building Agency, Empowerment, and Resilience:
- Research: Hip Hop culture, at its core, is about raw expression and unfiltered storytelling, often born from struggle and resistance. It provides a space where vulnerability can be accepted and celebrated as a form of strength (MHA National, 2024). Studies show HHT can lead to increased confidence, a strong sense of community, and a willingness to step outside comfort zones (Levy & Travis, 2020). For African-American and Latino youth, specifically, rap music can serve as a mechanism of empowerment that promotes resiliency (Heath & Arroyo, 2014).
- Application: By crafting their own narratives through rap, young men can re-author their stories, transform negative experiences into empowering ones, and develop a sense of agency over their lives. It helps them acknowledge their capacity for overcoming hardship and celebrating their resilience.
- Addressing Stigma and Promoting Mental Health Discourse:
- Research: Mental health issues, especially among men and men of color, are often highly stigmatized. Popular rap music itself is increasingly referencing mental health themes, including depression and anxiety, and using metaphors to describe struggles. This normalization by artists, who often serve as role models, can shape public discourse and potentially reduce stigma among listeners (UNC-Chapel Hill, 2020; JAMA Pediatrics, 2021).
- Application: Therapists using rap lyrics can leverage this existing dialogue to open conversations about mental health, making it more relatable and less intimidating for clients who might otherwise be reluctant to seek help or discuss their struggles (Lightstone, 2004 cited in Voices, 2015).
Key Researchers and Concepts:
- Dr. Edgar Tyson: Coined the term “Hip Hop Therapy” in the mid-1990s, laying empirical foundations for integrating Hip Hop’s healing capacities into mental health treatment. His work emphasizes a social work, strengths-based, culturally competent framework (Psychology Today, 2024).
- Dr. Raphael Travis: Has extensively researched and written on the therapeutic uses of Hip Hop, particularly its role in self-expression, trauma processing, and community empowerment within Black and Brown communities (Therapist Uncensored, n.d.).
- Narrative Therapy: The use of rap lyrics aligns well with narrative therapy, helping clients deconstruct problem stories and construct new, empowering narratives (Heath & Arroyo, 2014).
🧭 Our North Star: Identity, Purpose, and Brotherhood
At its core, JustINSPIRE is about helping young men discover three things:
- Who am I?
- Where am I going?
- Who’s coming with me?
We’re not here to save boys. We’re here to help them save themselves—by building the emotional intelligence, discipline, community, and confidence they need to thrive.
💬 Final Thought:
“Mentorship without intentionality is just company. But when mentorship is guided by purpose, theory, and love—it becomes transformation.”
At JustINSPIRE, that’s what we offer: transformational mentoring, not transactional meetings. We’re not here for numbers. We’re here for impact.
