MI for Change: Motivational Interviewing in ABA & Mental Health

Monica Gilbert
  • 5.0 (4)
  • MENTAL HEALTH

MI for Change is the podcast dedicated to exploring Motivational Interviewing (MI) in behavior analysis and mental health. Hosted by Dr. Monica Gilbert, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Psychologist, this show helps professionals transform client conversations — one question at a time. Each episode delivers:  ✨ Practical MI strategies you can apply immediately in sessions ✨ Real case examples that bring concepts to life ✨ Inspiring interviews with experts across ABA and mental health Whether you’re an ABA practitioner, therapist, counselor, or student, you’ll discover how simple shifts in communication can reduce resistance, strengthen rapport, and spark lasting change. Because parent coaching and client conversations don’t have to feel like a struggle — they can be the spark that makes transformation possible. Subscribe today and join the journey to becoming a more effective, confident, and client-centered communicator. This is MI for Change.

  1. Stop Fighting Resistance: The Real Reason Clients Push Back (Motivational Interviewing)

    1D AGO

    Stop Fighting Resistance: The Real Reason Clients Push Back (Motivational Interviewing)

    “Clients aren’t fighting you… they’re fighting to feel understood.” In this episode of MI4Change, Dr. Monica Gilbert breaks down one of the most misunderstood concepts in therapy, ABA, and leadership: resistance. Why do parents, clients, and even supervisees push back—even when they know the intervention works? It’s not defiance. It’s not lack of motivation. And it’s not something you need to “win.” In this episode, you’ll learn: Why resistance is actually valuable informationHow ambivalence (not defiance) drives client behaviorWhy giving more advice often makes things worseHow to shift from fixing → evokingThe exact questions that help clients find their own solutionsHow to reduce burnout by working smarter, not harderYou’ll also hear a powerful strategy using future-based questions (the “miracle question”) to help parents connect present behavior to long-term goals—without confrontation. This episode is essential for therapists, BCBAs, psychologists, coaches, and leaders who want to: ✔ Improve client engagement ✔ Increase buy-in ✔ Reduce resistance ✔ Feel less frustrated in sessions Because the goal isn’t to convince people to change… It’s to help them want to 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

    13 min
  2. Motivational Interviewing Role Play: What It Actually Sounds Like in Real Sessions

    APR 28

    Motivational Interviewing Role Play: What It Actually Sounds Like in Real Sessions

    What does Motivational Interviewing actually sound like in a real conversation? In this episode of MI For Change, Dr. Monica Gilbert walks you through a live role play using motivational interviewing techniques—followed by a step-by-step breakdown of exactly what was done and why it works. This is where theory meets practice. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to create psychological safety at the start of a conversationThe power of open-ended questions to reduce defensivenessHow to use simple, complex, and double-sided reflections effectivelyHow to navigate resistance without confrontationWhat change talk actually sounds like in real timeHow to shift from defensiveness → collaboration → opennessYou’ll hear how a resistant therapist moves from: “I don’t need to be here…” ➡️ to “Maybe this is something I could look at.” This episode is a must-listen for therapists, BCBAs, psychologists, leaders, and anyone who wants to improve real-life conversations—not just understand theory. Because knowing MI is one thing… But hearing it in action changes everything. 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

    13 min
  3. Motivational Interviewing Explained: The 3 Core Foundations Every Therapist Must Know

    APR 21

    Motivational Interviewing Explained: The 3 Core Foundations Every Therapist Must Know

    If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to actually apply Motivational Interviewing in real sessions—this episode is your starting point. In this foundational episode of MI4Change, Dr. Monica Gilbert breaks down the 3 essential pillars of Motivational Interviewing in a way that is practical, clear, and immediately applicable. Whether you’re a therapist, BCBA, psychologist, coach, educator, or leader, this episode will give you the tools to transform your conversations and create meaningful change. You’ll learn:  The Spirit of Motivational Interviewing (PACE) and why it matters more than techniques  How to use OARS communication skills (Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflections, Summaries) effectively  The 4 Processes of MI: Engaging, Focusing, Evoking, and Planning  Why many clinicians unintentionally create resistance—and how to avoid it  How to shift from expert-driven conversations → to collaborative change Real examples you can apply immediately in therapy, leadership, and coaching Motivational Interviewing is not just a technique—it’s a way of being with people. And when done correctly, it helps clients find their own motivation… instead of relying on yours. 🎯 If you're new to MI, start here.  🎯 If you're experienced, this is your reset. 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

    20 min
  4. Dale Carnegie vs Motivational Interviewing: The Difference Between Influence and True Change

    APR 14

    Dale Carnegie vs Motivational Interviewing: The Difference Between Influence and True Change

    In this episode of MI For Change, Dr. Monica Gilbert explores a powerful and often misunderstood comparison: Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People” vs. Motivational Interviewing (MI). While both approaches emphasize communication, connection, and influence, they differ in one critical way—the intention behind the conversation. You’ll learn:  Why the concept of “influence” can feel manipulative in clinical and leadership settings  The key similarities between Dale Carnegie’s principles and Motivational Interviewing  The missing piece in Carnegie’s work: the Spirit of MI (partnership, autonomy, compassion, evocation) How the righting reflex can damage rapport and create resistance  The difference between persuading someone vs helping them find their own motivation Real-life examples of how MI transforms conversations with parents, clients, and teams This episode will challenge the way you think about communication and help you shift from trying to convince people… to helping them convince themselves. If you’re a therapist, BCBA, psychologist, leader, or helping professional, this is a must-listen episode to elevate your conversations and create lasting 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

    14 min
  5. How to Build Systems and Culture That Scale in Your Practice

    APR 7

    How to Build Systems and Culture That Scale in Your Practice

    In this episode of MI4Change, we explore how Motivational Interviewing can be applied beyond clinical work—into leadership, business growth, and organizational culture. If you’re a:  • BCBA  • Business owner  • Clinical supervisor  • Therapist building a practice This episode will help you understand how to scale your organization in a way that is sustainable and aligned with your values. In this episode, Dr. Monica Gilbert shares:  • Why processes are critical for scaling a business  • How to define roles and responsibilities within your team  • How to handle staff resistance and pushback  • How to use Motivational Interviewing to build collaboration and autonomy  • Why doing too much as a leader creates bottlenecks  • How to create a culture of ownership and accountability You’ll also hear real examples from a growing ABA and mental health organization and the lessons learned over 16+ years in the field. Because scaling isn’t just about growth… 👉 It’s about building something that can thrive without 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

    17 min
  6. Motivational Interviewing in Leadership: How to Motivate Staff and Build Buy-In

    MAR 31

    Motivational Interviewing in Leadership: How to Motivate Staff and Build Buy-In

    In this episode of MI4Change, we explore how Motivational Interviewing can transform the way you lead and motivate your team. If you’re a:  • BCBA  • Clinical supervisor  • Business owner  • Leader or manager You’ve likely experienced this: Your staff agrees in the moment…  But follow-through doesn’t happen. This isn’t just a motivation problem—it’s a values alignment problem. In this episode, Dr. Monica Gilbert breaks down:  • Why traditional leadership approaches create resistance  • The difference between compliance and true buy-in  • How to identify when your team is dependent on you  • The role of values in motivation and behavior change  • Practical questions to evoke ownership and initiative  • How to use Motivational Interviewing in leadership settings You’ll also hear a powerful real-life example that illustrates how true motivation happens when people connect emotionally to what matters most. Because leadership isn’t about pushing people…  It’s about helping them see the value for themselves. 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

    16 min
  7. Resistance vs Discord in Motivational Interviewing: How to Handle “Resistant” Clients

    MAR 24

    Resistance vs Discord in Motivational Interviewing: How to Handle “Resistant” Clients

    In this episode of MI For Change, we explore one of the most misunderstood concepts in therapy and behavior change: resistance. What if your client isn’t actually resistant? In Motivational Interviewing, what we often label as “resistance” can be better understood as: Sustained talk (arguments against change) Discord (a breakdown in the relationship or communication) And that distinction can completely transform your sessions. In this episode, you’ll learn:  • The difference between resistance, sustained talk, and discord  • Why labeling clients as “resistant” can be harmful to the therapeutic process  • How to recognize early signs of discord in sessions  • Practical Motivational Interviewing questions to reduce defensiveness  • How to shift from confrontation to collaboration  • How to bring conversations back to trust, curiosity, and partnership If you’re a:  • BCBA  • Therapist  • Psychologist  • Counselor  • Educator  • Or anyone working with behavior change This episode will give you practical tools to improve communication, increase client buy-in, and create more effective sessions. Remember:  It’s not about controlling the client…  It’s about guiding the conversation. 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

    17 min
  8. SLPs, BCBAs, and MI: How Better Collaboration Helps Families

    MAR 17

    SLPs, BCBAs, and MI: How Better Collaboration Helps Families

    What happens when two professionals want the same outcome for a child… but speak completely different languages? In this episode of MI for Change, I’m joined by Rose Griffin, a speech therapist and BCBA, to talk about one of the biggest challenges in our field: collaboration between SLPs and BCBAs. We talk about where miscommunication happens, why jargon creates unnecessary walls, and how Motivational Interviewing can help us approach these conversations with more curiosity, less defensiveness, and better outcomes for families. In this conversation, we cover: Where collaboration between SLPs and BCBAs often breaks downWhy jargon and assumptions create so much frictionHow social media has shaped perceptions of ABAWhat clinicians can do to enter difficult conversations with more curiosityWhy parents should never be stuck in the middle of professional disagreementsSmall communication shifts that can strengthen collaboration immediatelyThis episode is for BCBAs, SLPs, OTs, psychologists, educators, and anyone who wants to work better across disciplines. Because at the end of the day, we all want the same thing:  better outcomes for the child and less stress for the family. 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

    35 min
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out of 5
4 Ratings

About

MI for Change is the podcast dedicated to exploring Motivational Interviewing (MI) in behavior analysis and mental health. Hosted by Dr. Monica Gilbert, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Psychologist, this show helps professionals transform client conversations — one question at a time. Each episode delivers:  ✨ Practical MI strategies you can apply immediately in sessions ✨ Real case examples that bring concepts to life ✨ Inspiring interviews with experts across ABA and mental health Whether you’re an ABA practitioner, therapist, counselor, or student, you’ll discover how simple shifts in communication can reduce resistance, strengthen rapport, and spark lasting change. Because parent coaching and client conversations don’t have to feel like a struggle — they can be the spark that makes transformation possible. Subscribe today and join the journey to becoming a more effective, confident, and client-centered communicator. This is MI for Change.

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