MI for Change: Motivational Interviewing in ABA & Mental Health

Monica Gilbert
  • 5.0 (3)
  • 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. When Helping Too Much Backfires: Prompt Dependency in Therapy

    1D AGO

    When Helping Too Much Backfires: Prompt Dependency in Therapy

    Helping your clients sounds like the right thing to do. But sometimes… helping too much actually creates the opposite of what we want. In this episode of MI for Change, we talk about prompt dependency — a concept familiar in ABA, but one that shows up in therapy, parent coaching, and leadership as well. Prompt dependency happens when clients begin to rely on the therapist for answers, direction, or solutions… instead of developing the confidence to problem-solve on their own. And often, it happens with the best intentions. In this episode we explore: What prompt dependency actually looks like in therapyWhy over-helping feels good to the therapist (even when it backfires)How giving answers too quickly blocks autonomy and confidenceWhy silence can be one of the most powerful clinical toolsHow Motivational Interviewing shifts us from directing to evokingBecause the real goal of therapy isn’t to be needed forever. It’s to help clients realize they don’t need us as much as they thought. 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
  2. The Difference Between Rapport and Buy-In

    MAR 3

    The Difference Between Rapport and Buy-In

    You can have great rapport…  and still have clients cancel, avoid homework, or “agree” without following through. So what’s missing? In this episode of MI for Change, I break down the difference between rapport and buy-in — and why they are not the same thing. Rapport means your client trusts you.  Buy-in means they see the value and own the change. We’ll talk about: Why compliance is not the goalHow to tell when a parent truly has buy-inThe mistake clinicians make when they move too quickly into “fixing”Why curiosity is your most powerful clinical toolHow to explore both the benefits and costs of change (yes, both sides)If you’ve ever thought:  “But they like me… so why aren’t they doing it?” This episode is 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

    15 min
  3. MI for Neurodiversity: What Works for Autism, ADHD & PDA (Without Pressure)

    FEB 24

    MI for Neurodiversity: What Works for Autism, ADHD & PDA (Without Pressure)

    If you’ve ever felt like traditional “motivation” strategies don’t land with neurodivergent clients… you’re not imagining it. In this episode, I break down how to use Motivational Interviewing (MI) in a way that actually fits autism, ADHD, and PDA profiles—without overwhelming, pressuring, or accidentally triggering shutdown. We talk about the practical stuff clinicians often miss: Why social approval isn’t always the motivator (and what to focus on instead) How processing speed + sensory load changes the way we should communicate Why short, concrete reflections often work better than long summaries What changes when demands feel threatening (PDA), even when your intentions are good The simplest shift you can make today: replacing “What’s your goal?” with “What feels important right now?” You’ll leave with language you can use immediately—especially if you work with teens, adults, or verbal kids who want change… just not at the cost of feeling controlled. 🎧 Listen now, and tell me: what neurodivergent profile do you work with most? 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

    19 min
  4. Why People Don’t Change—Even When the Help Is “Good” with Dr. Paul Gavoni

    FEB 17

    Why People Don’t Change—Even When the Help Is “Good” with Dr. Paul Gavoni

    Most professionals don’t struggle because they don’t care. They struggle because the people they’re trying to help… don’t see what’s in it for them. In this episode of MI for Change, I had the pleasure to sit down with Dr. Paulie to talk about why telling people what to do rarely leads to real change—even when the advice is solid and well-intentioned. Together, we explore: * Why “resistance” is often a signal—not a problem * How values drive behavior more than information ever will * What happens when professionals unintentionally impose their own values * Why consent, buy-in, and engagement are skills—not personality traits * How Motivational Interviewing helps people change without pressure or coercion This conversation is for clinicians, educators, leaders, and helpers who’ve ever thought: “Why isn’t this working?” If you work with parents, staff, clients, or teams—and change feels harder than it should—this episode will help you see why. Learn More about Dr Paul Gavoni: https://thebehavioraltoolbox.com/ 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

    47 min
  5. Trauma-Informed Care Isn’t What You Think — How MI Restores Choice, Voice, and Agency

    FEB 10

    Trauma-Informed Care Isn’t What You Think — How MI Restores Choice, Voice, and Agency

    with clients. You’ll learn why trauma is fundamentally about loss of control, and how MI restores what trauma takes away: choice, voice, and agency — without removing accountability or direction. This episode breaks down: Why “trauma-informed” has become a buzzword (and how it’s often misunderstood)How MI prevents re-traumatization by supporting autonomyThe difference between trauma-informed care and permissive therapyWhy avoiding discomfort isn’t the same as providing safetyHow MI helps re-engage clients who feel “therapied out”How to balance compassion and movement in clinical conversationsWhether you’re a therapist, clinician, or someone who wants to communicate more ethically and effectively, this episode will help you rethink what trauma-informed care really looks like in action. 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. Giving Assessment Feedback Without Triggering Defensiveness (Using Motivational Interviewing)

    FEB 3

    Giving Assessment Feedback Without Triggering Defensiveness (Using Motivational Interviewing)

    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

    18 min
  7. Beyond Basic Reflections — Advanced MI Skills That Create Movement

    JAN 27

    Beyond Basic Reflections — Advanced MI Skills That Create Movement

    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

    18 min
  8. The Meisner Technique & MI Reflections — How Actors Train Us to Listen

    JAN 20

    The Meisner Technique & MI Reflections — How Actors Train Us to Listen

    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

    19 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 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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