Advertise on podcast: MI for Change: Motivational Interviewing in ABA & Mental Health

Giving assessment results to parents can be one of the most emotionally charged moments in clinical work. In this episode of MI for Change, Dr. Monica Gilbert explores how Motivational Interviewing (MI) can help clinicians deliver psychological and educational assessment feedback in a way that feels supportive, collaborative, and empowering—instead of overwhelming or defensive. You’ll learn why even technically accurate feedback can miss the mark emotionally, how fear and grief often show up as “defensiveness,” and what to say (and not say) when sharing difficult results like an autism diagnosis or learning challenges. Whether you’re a psychologist, behavior analyst, therapist, school professional, or parent-facing clinician, this episode will help you transform feedback sessions into conversations that foster understanding and forward movement. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why parents may shut down during assessment feedback—even when you’re “doing everything right”How MI helps reduce defensiveness and emotional overwhelmQuestions that invite collaboration instead of resistanceHow to evoke next steps without pressuring familiesWays to balance clinical clarity with empathy and partnership🎧 Listen now and learn how how you communicate results can change what happens next. Learn more about Motivational Interviewing and explore on-demand courses at www.drmonicagilbert.com Join the MI Academy for practical training and resources — and enjoy an exclusive 15% off with code MIFORCHANGE at checkout. 📲 Connect with me on Instagram: @drmonicagilbert

Motivational Interviewing isn’t just about being warm, empathic, and reflective — it’s about being intentional. In this first episode of Season 2, Dr. Monica Gilbert takes you beyond the basics and into the advanced, often untaught skills of Motivational Interviewing. If you’ve ever felt like your sessions are respectful and supportive… but not actually moving clients toward change, this episode is for you. Dr. Gilbert breaks down the seven levels of reflections, showing how each level serves a different purpose — and how higher-level reflections can reduce resistance, evoke insight, and gently guide clients toward change without pressure or confrontation. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why MI without strategy can become “polite conversation” instead of change workThe 7 levels of reflections, from simple to advancedHow to move from surface-level reflections to meaning-based reflectionsHow double-sided reflections normalize ambivalence and create movementWhat strategic hypothesis testing reflections are — and how to use them ethicallyWhy tone and intention matter as much as the words you chooseHow MI is like learning a new language — and why practice + feedback are essential💬 “MI isn’t just about sounding empathic — it’s about being intentional with where the conversation is going.” 💬 Join the Conversation: Which level of reflection do you find yourself using most often? Reply or comment — I’d love to hear what resonated with you. Learn more about Motivational Interviewing and explore on-demand courses at www.drmonicagilbert.com Join the MI Academy for practical training and resources — and enjoy an exclusive 15% off with code MIFORCHANGE at checkout. 📲 Connect with me on Instagram: @drmonicagilbert

In this episode of MI for Change, I share a surprising tool that can instantly sharpen your reflections and your ability to stay present with clients: the Meisner repetition exercise (a famous acting technique). Actors train for months to learn how to listen, respond, and stay emotionally present—so why do we assume these skills should “just come naturally” in therapy, supervision, or hard conversations? I break down how the Meisner technique parallels Motivational Interviewing—especially reflections—and how you can use this as a practical exercise with supervisees, clinicians, or even in your own daily communication. In this episode, you’ll learn: What the Meisner repetition exercise is (and how to run it as a training activity)Why reflections are not parroting content—but mirroring meaning and emotionHow to notice micro nonverbals (tone shifts, hesitation, body language) and reflect what’s “alive”How to stay with emotion (including tears) without rushing to “fix” itHow to make your reflections more human, more transformational, and less roboticIf reflections ever feel awkward, “therapisty,” or forced—this episode will give you a new way to practice that feels natural and effective. Learn more about Motivational Interviewing and explore on-demand courses at www.drmonicagilbert.com Join the MI Academy for practical training and resources — and enjoy an exclusive 15% off with code MIFORCHANGE at checkout. 📲 Connect with me on Instagram: @drmonicagilbert

In this episode of MI for Change, I’m joined by Hillary Logan, LCSW, MINT-certified trainer and founder of MI Center for Change, for a deep, practical conversation about sustain talk—or as Hillary calls it, “stuck talk.” Together, we explore what sustain talk is really telling us about a client’s readiness, why it’s protective (not resistance), and how to soften sustain talk without amplifying it, while intentionally cultivating change talk. We talk about: Why sustain talk isn’t the problem—but how we respond to it can beHow softening sustain talk mirrors behavioral principles like differential reinforcementWhen reflecting sustain talk helps—and when it accidentally strengthens itWhy silence feels so uncomfortable (and how to use it skillfully)How provider mindset, tone, and curiosity shape client outcomesUsing the four processes of MI (engage, focus, evoke, plan) as an assessment tool when sessions feel “stuck”This episode is especially helpful for clinicians who feel confident with OARS, but struggle with the technical side of MI—how to move sessions forward without fixing, pushing, or arguing. 🎧 Listen now and learn how to turn stuck moments into movement. Resources Mentioned MI Center for Change: www.micenterforchange.comLearn more about Motivational Interviewing and explore on-demand courses at www.drmonicagilbert.com Join the MI Academy for practical training and resources — and enjoy an exclusive 15% off with code MIFORCHANGE at checkout. 📲 Connect with me on Instagram: @drmonicagilbert

In this episode of MI for Change, I’m sharing one of my favorite topics: how to translate Motivational Interviewing (MI) into ABA language—in a way that feels objective, teachable, and easier to apply in real sessions. I walk you through a foundational paper—“A Behavior Analytic Account of Motivational Interviewing” by Michael Doerr & Paulette Christopher—and use it to break down MI concepts like intrinsic motivation, ambivalence, discrepancy, the MI Spirit, OARS, change talk vs. sustain talk, and differential reinforcement through a behavioral lens. You’ll also hear the objective MI definition I constructed with input from behavior analysts: Motivational Interviewing is the intentional arrangement—through timing, tone, and type of verbal contingencies—designed to evoke, differentially reinforce, strengthen, and generalize change talk. If you’ve ever wondered how MI fits inside ABA (without losing the “spirit” of MI), this episode will help you connect the dots—and walk away with language you can use to train staff, teach interns, and strengthen parent coaching conversations. Resources Mentioned: A Behavior Analytic Account of Motivational Interviewing (Doerr & Christopher) — link in show notes/description (add your link)💬 Join the conversation: Reply/comment with your take: Which MI concept do you want me to translate into ABA next? Learn more about Motivational Interviewing and explore on-demand courses at www.drmonicagilbert.com Join the MI Academy for practical training and resources — and enjoy an exclusive 15% off with code MIFORCHANGE at checkout. 📲 Connect with me on Instagram: @drmonicagilbert

If you’re new to Motivational Interviewing — or you’ve been “sort of” using the skills but still feel unsure — this episode is for you.  Today, I break down the exact starting point, the 3 essential habits every beginner should build, and how to know whether MI is actually working in session. I also share my brand-new definition of Motivational Interviewing (yes — the short, digestible version!) and answer some of the most common questions I’m asked inside trainings. 💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: ✅ The first MI skill you should use if you’re brand new ✅ How to integrate reflections without sounding robotic or scripted ✅ The three mindset shifts that immediately improve your MI conversations ✅ Why “intention” is the missing ingredient most practitioners overlook ✅ How to picture change talk vs. sustain talk using a simple thermometer metaphor ✅ The difference between supporting clients vs. pushing them ✅ How to know when clients aren’t “resistant”… they’re just not ready yet ✅ And what to do when YOU start feeling burnout or frustration 🗣️ Favorite Quote From This Episode: “MI is the intentional arrangement of timing, tone, and verbal contingencies designed to evoke and strengthen change talk.” Learn more about Motivational Interviewing and explore on-demand courses at www.drmonicagilbert.com Join the MI Academy for practical training and resources — and enjoy an exclusive 15% off with code MIFORCHANGE at checkout. 📲 Connect with me on Instagram: @drmonicagilbert

Are your sessions starting to feel like you’re just chatting without real movement toward change? In this episode of MI for Change, Dr. Monica Gilbert breaks down how to combine the OARS skills (Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflections, Summaries) with the four processes of Motivational Interviewing (Engage, Focus, Evoke, Plan) — so your conversations feel purposeful, not random. Using a fun “building a closet” metaphor (yes, with almost-divorce-level assembly stress 😅), Monica shows you how OARS are your tools, and the four processes are your roadmap. When you put them together intentionally, you stop spinning in circles and start guiding clients toward meaningful, sustainable change. Whether you’re a BCBA, psychologist, therapist, counselor, or other helping professional, this episode will help you: 💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: What OARS really are (from an MI and behavior-analytic lens)How to use OARS differently in each process:Engaging – using OARS to build trust and rapportFocusing – narrowing in on what actually matters (together)Evoking – drawing out the client’s own reasons for change (DARN CAT!)Planning – turning “why” into “how” with collaborative action stepsWhy empathy alone isn’t enough if there’s no movement toward changeHow to avoid getting stuck in endless venting or “nice” sessions with no directionA simple reflection prompt you can ask yourself before your next session:Which process is my client in right now? And which OARS skill fits best here? Learn more about Motivational Interviewing and explore on-demand courses at www.drmonicagilbert.com Join the MI Academy for practical training and resources — and enjoy an exclusive 15% off with code MIFORCHANGE at checkout. 📲 Connect with me on Instagram: @drmonicagilbert

What if one simple mindset shift could completely change the tone of your sessions? In this episode of MI for Change, Dr. Monica Gilbert shares a practical “mind hack” that can transform how you show up with clients, parents, and teams — especially when sessions feel repetitive or resistant. Fresh from her experience at the MINT (Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers) conference, Monica reflects on what it really means to be someone worth talking to — and how approaching sessions with curiosity and a blank-slate mindset can foster empathy, trust, and genuine collaboration. 💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: ✅ Why your mindset before a session shapes the outcome more than you think ✅ How to use curiosity as a clinical tool to uncover what’s really behind resistance ✅ The importance of starting fresh with each client — the “blank slate” approach ✅ How to “hack your brain” to stay open and calm, even during tough sessions ✅ Practical language shifts to build buy-in and connection instantly ✅ A powerful quote by Helen Mentha that redefines how we show up for our clients “Before you enter that room, remind yourself: Today, I’m going in with curiosity.” 🧠 Quote of the Week “Be somewhat good to talk to.  If you offer appointments, be someone worth going to see.  If you do home visits, be someone you’d want to let in your house.  If you see mandated clients, be a relief.” — Helen MenthaLearn more about Motivational Interviewing and explore on-demand courses at www.drmonicagilbert.com Join the MI Academy for practical training and resources — and enjoy an exclusive 15% off with code MIFORCHANGE at checkout. 📲 Connect with me on Instagram: @drmonicagilbert

How do you give feedback that lands—without power struggles or performative praise? In this episode of MI for Change, Dr. Monica Gilbert shows how to use Motivational Interviewing (MI) to coach interns and supervisees more effectively (and humanely). You’ll learn: Why the “sandwich method” fails (predictable, inauthentic, and forgettable)The PACE spirit of MI in supervision: Partnership, Acceptance (autonomy), Compassion, EvocationA step-by-step feedback flow using Ask–Offer–Ask (AOA) (ask for perspective → offer observations with permission → ask what landed & next steps)How to evoke supervisee-generated solutions (and real buy-in)Authenticity in practice (including Monica’s mailbox story—and why being human builds trust)Perfect for BCBAs, supervisors, fieldwork coordinators, and clinical leads across ABA and mental health. Learn more about Motivational Interviewing and explore on-demand courses at www.drmonicagilbert.com Join the MI Academy for practical training and resources — and enjoy an exclusive 15% off with code MIFORCHANGE at checkout. 📲 Connect with me on Instagram: @drmonicagilbert

How do you respond when a parent says, “We’ve tried that—it never works”? What about a supervisee who insists, “I already tried it,” or an intern who nods “got it” but never changes? In this MI for Change episode, Dr. Monica Gilbert walks through 16 real case scenarios across parents, supervisees, teams, and teens—and models Motivational Interviewing (MI) responses you can use today. Scenarios covered (with sample MI moves): Resistant parent — reflect discouragement + evoke previous effortsHopeless parent — validate fatigue, search for the spark that keeps them showing upOverwhelmed parent — shrink scope to one small win this weekOver-involved dad — affirm intention; perspective-take: “How do you think he feels…?”“School is the problem” — agree with a twist; share what works at homeMinimizing parent (“he’ll grow out of it”) — future focus + miracle questionFearful parent — validate anxiety; explore values in tough momentsDefensive couple — reflect shared goals; get one agreement this weekDefensive supervisee — affirm intent; invite self-reflectionPassive supervisee — support autonomy; evoke their voiceOverconfident supervisee (“I already do MI”) — move to discovery with open questionsBurned-out BCBA — reconnect to meaning and valuesResistant team member — roll with resistance; try a low-risk experimentEager-to-please intern — affirm honesty; co-design safe practiceConflict-avoidant supervisor — surface future costs of silenceAmbivalent teen (vaping) — double-sided reflection to open change talkYou’ll hear: OARS in the wild, double-sided reflections, affirmations that land, “agreeing with a twist,” Ask–Offer–Ask, evocation, and autonomy-supportive language—applied to the situations you face every week. Learn more about Motivational Interviewing and explore on-demand courses at www.drmonicagilbert.com Join the MI Academy for practical training and resources — and enjoy an exclusive 15% off with code MIFORCHANGE at checkout. 📲 Connect with me on Instagram: @drmonicagilbert

Ever worry your reflections sound “therapist-y”? Struggle when parents say they don’t have time? Wonder how to prevent burnout, improve follow-through, or use MI with supervisees who insist “I tried that—it doesn’t work”? In this MI for Change Q&A episode, Dr. Monica Gilbert answers the most common questions she gets at conferences, webinars, and supervision sessions. You’ll hear practical, real-world strategies for applying Motivational Interviewing (MI) across ABA and mental health settings—parent coaching, clinical work, and supervision. You’ll learn how to: Use reflections without sounding repetitive (and let them land)Respond when parents say “I don’t have time” (add value + restore autonomy)Avoid sounding fake while still using MI skills authenticallyIncrease follow-through when clients/parents agree but don’t actNavigate supervisees who say “I tried it, it didn’t work” (evoke solutions)Access empathy when you’re frustrated or burned out (and when to pause)Use MI when parents are in denial about a diagnosis (plant seeds, pace)Know if you’re enabling vs. facilitating change (track change talk)Decide when to pause or end services (align with the Stages of Change)Learn more about Motivational Interviewing and explore on-demand courses at www.drmonicagilbert.com Join the MI Academy for practical training and resources — and enjoy an exclusive 15% off with code MIFORCHANGE at checkout. 📲 Connect with me on Instagram: @drmonicagilbert

Working with schools can be one of the most rewarding — and most challenging — parts of our job. 🍎  In this episode of MI for Change, Dr. Monica Gilbert explores how to use Motivational Interviewing (MI) strategies to improve collaboration and communication with teachers, paraprofessionals, and school teams. So often, behavior analysts or therapists walk into a classroom eager to help, only to be met with resistance — a look, a shrug, or a polite “we’ve tried that before.”  But with the right MI tools, those moments can turn into genuine partnerships. 💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:  ✅ How to build rapport and trust with teachers from the very first interaction  ✅ The power of open-ended questions in understanding classroom challenges  ✅ Why reflections and affirmations can turn resistance into collaboration  ✅ How to align goals between teachers and therapists for more consistent outcomes  ✅ Real-life examples of “evoking” solutions instead of prescribing them 💬 “If the teacher is on your same page, the outcome for the client is always stronger.” 💬 Join the Conversation: How do you build trust and collaboration with teachers or school staff? Reply or comment with one strategy that’s worked for you — I’d love to hear your story! Learn more about Motivational Interviewing and explore on-demand courses at www.drmonicagilbert.com Join the MI Academy for practical training and resources — and enjoy an exclusive 15% off with code MIFORCHANGE at checkout. 📲 Connect with me on Instagram: @drmonicagilbert

Supervision doesn’t have to feel like pulling teeth. 🦷  In this episode of MI for Change, Dr. Monica Gilbert explores how Motivational Interviewing (MI) can transform the way we communicate with supervisees and interns — turning resistance into reflection and compliance into collaboration. If you’ve ever felt frustrated when supervisees don’t take data, follow through on feedback, or seem disengaged, this episode is for you.  Through real-world examples and practical strategies, Monica shares how to replace the “fixing reflex” with curiosity, empathy, and partnership. 💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: ✅ How to use MI principles (open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries) in supervision ✅ How to apply the Ask–Offer–Ask (AOA) approach when giving feedback ✅ Ways to build trust and rapport with new therapists and interns ✅ Why autonomy and collaboration matter more than control ✅ How curiosity can replace correction — and lead to real growth 💬 “If we don’t have rapport, we have nothing.” Learn more about MI tools and supervision strategies at www.drmonicagilbert.com ✨ Use code CHANGE15 for 15% off any on-demand course through MI Academy💬 Join the Conversation: How do you foster collaboration and autonomy in your supervision sessions? Reply or share your thoughts in the comments — I’d love to hear what’s worked for you! Learn more about Motivational Interviewing and explore on-demand courses at www.drmonicagilbert.com Join the MI Academy for practical training and resources — and enjoy an exclusive 15% off with code MIFORCHANGE at checkout. 📲 Connect with me on Instagram: @drmonicagilbert

Have you ever avoided a difficult conversation with a client or parent because it felt too uncomfortable? You’re not alone.  In this episode of MI for Change, Dr. Monica Gilbert explores the “pink elephant in the room” — those unspoken issues that fill our emotional cup until it overflows. Through a simple (and slightly wet!) metaphor, Monica illustrates how avoidance can build frustration and burnout — and how Motivational Interviewing (MI) gives us the tools to face those moments with courage and empathy. You’ll learn:  ✅ How to recognize when your “cup” is getting full and what to do before burnout hits  ✅ Ways to address uncomfortable issues with clients using reflections, affirmations, and open-ended questions  ✅ How to reframe confrontation as collaboration  ✅ Real-life examples of boundary setting and repair from the field 💬 “When clients push back or avoid, that’s not rejection — it’s an invitation to communicate.” If you’ve ever dreaded a hard conversation, this episode will help you build confidence, compassion, and connection — one reflection at a time. 💬 Join the Conversation: What’s one tough conversation you’ve been avoiding — and what MI skill could help you approach it differently? Reply or share your reflections in the comments! Learn more about Motivational Interviewing and explore on-demand courses at www.drmonicagilbert.com Join the MI Academy for practical training and resources — and enjoy an exclusive 15% off with code MIFORCHANGE at checkout. 📲 Connect with me on Instagram: @drmonicagilbert

Have you ever felt like you’re doing all the work when it comes to setting therapy goals? You define the objectives, outline the plan, and your client (or parent) simply nods along. But what if you could create goals with them — not for them? In this episode of MI for Change, Dr. Monica Gilbert explores how collaborative goal setting can transform engagement and outcomes in your sessions. Drawing from a fascinating single-case study by Kusheria et al., she breaks down how speech-language pathologists improved client-centered practice using Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques and the Electronic Goal Attainment Scaling (EGAS) tool. You’ll learn:  ✅ How collaborative goal setting boosts buy-in and follow-through  ✅ The impact of using OARS skills (open questions, affirmations, reflections, summaries) during goal setting  ✅ What the research reveals about training, fidelity, and engagement  ✅ Practical questions you can use to involve clients or parents in defining their own goals 💬 “Better engagement leads to better follow-through.”  When clients take ownership of their goals, change becomes not only possible — it becomes sustainable. Learn more about Motivational Interviewing and explore on-demand courses at www.drmonicagilbert.com Join the MI Academy for practical training and resources — and enjoy an exclusive 15% off with code MIFORCHANGE at checkout. 📲 Connect with me on Instagram: @drmonicagilbert