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 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.
MI for Change: Motivational Interviewing in ABA & Mental Health
How to Start Using Motivational Interviewing (Even If You Feel Lost!)
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
