Motivational Interviewing in Action: 16 Case Scenarios for ABA & Mental Health
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
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MI Mailbag — Reflections, Follow-Through, Burnout & “No Time” Objections
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
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Collaborating with Teachers Using Motivational Interviewing
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
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Motivational Interviewing with Supervisees and Interns
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
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The Pink Elephant in the Room — Having Hard Conversations with Clients
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
Sobre MI for Change: Motivational Interviewing in ABA & 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 healthWhether 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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