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. The Parent Is Your Real Intervention — Why Everything Else Is Secondary

    3d ago

    The Parent Is Your Real Intervention — Why Everything Else Is Secondary

    Quick question: who is your client? If you said the child — you're right. And you're missing half the picture. Here's the math nobody talks about in BCBA programs: your child client spends maybe 10 to 20 hours a week in therapy. They spend 100 or more hours a week with their family. If the parent isn't carrying what you're building in session, you are fighting against 100 hours of counter-programming with 10 hours of intervention. That math doesn't work. It was never going to work. In this episode, Dr. Monica Gilbert shares two real families — one that stopped services because the behavior never generalized outside of sessions, and one that came from Ecuador with a nearly identical child profile and saw a complete turnaround in six weeks. Same diagnosis. Same presentation. Completely different outcome. The only variable that changed was the parent. Monica also names an uncomfortable truth that most people in this field already sense but nobody says out loud: most parent training sessions in ABA aren't actually parent training sessions. They're check-ins. And the difference between those two things is where child outcomes are actually determined. No frameworks yet. Just the truth about who your real intervention is — and why that realization 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

    9 min
  2. BCBA Burnout: Why the Parent Piece Is Draining You (And What to Do About It)

    May 19

    BCBA Burnout: Why the Parent Piece Is Draining You (And What to Do About It)

    You went into this field because of the kids. The sessions with them — even the hard ones — leave you feeling something. Fulfilled. Purposeful. Like you're doing exactly what you were trained to do. But the parent sessions? That's a different story. If you've ever sat across from a parent — in person or on Zoom — and felt that slow crawl of frustration, that quiet defeat, that voice in your head saying why am I doing all of this if nothing is going to change — this episode is for you. In this episode of MI For Change, Dr. Monica Gilbert gets honest about where BCBA burnout is actually coming from. And it's not the kids. It's not the caseload. It's not even the documentation. It's the weight of carrying the entire parent piece on your back — the responsibility, the solutions, the follow-through — all of it. And nobody in your BCBA program ever told you that was happening. Monica shares a real Zoom session she sat in on with a fellow BCBA — what she watched unfold, what she was texting behind the scenes, and the moment she realized: you don't have to work this hard. 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

    15 min
  3. How to Stop Shrinking in Conversations | Build Confidence with Motivational Interviewing

    May 12

    How to Stop Shrinking in Conversations | Build Confidence with Motivational Interviewing

    Most people think confidence is something you’re born with. It’s not. In this episode of MI For Change, Dr. Monica Gilbert breaks down the real reason you feel yourself shrinking in difficult conversations—and how to finally show up with confidence, clarity, and presence. Whether you're speaking to a client, parent, boss, or team member… that moment of overthinking, second-guessing, and wanting to “get it right” can take over fast. But here’s the shift: Confidence doesn’t come from controlling the conversation. It comes from knowing how to navigate it. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why anxiety shows up in high-stakes conversationsHow the “fixing reflex” actually makes you feel less confidentThe mindset shift from control → curiosityHow to read the room using your “conversation thermometer”What to say instead of correcting, confronting, or over-explainingHow to use simple MI tools like reflections and open-ended questions naturallyYou’ll also hear a real consultation example where a clinician struggled to “confront” a client—and how reframing the approach completely changed the conversation. This episode is for therapists, BCBAs, leaders, and professionals who want to: ✔ Speak with more confidence ✔ Reduce anxiety in conversations ✔ Build stronger relationships ✔ Stop overthinking what to say Because the goal isn’t to sound perfect… It’s to connect. 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
  4. Stop Fighting Resistance: The Real Reason Clients Push Back (Motivational Interviewing)

    May 5

    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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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5
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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