Welcome to the very first episode of MI for Change!

In this episode, I’m sharing the story of how I discovered Motivational Interviewing during my doctoral training, how it completely changed the way I worked with clients in substance use treatment, and why I knew it had to become part of behavior analysis and mental health practice.

You’ll hear how simple MI techniques transformed client attendance, strengthened rapport, and reduced resistance — not only in addiction work, but also in parent coaching, supervision, and ABA sessions.

We’ll also talk about:

✨ Why traditional approaches can unintentionally increase resistance.
✨ How embedding MI into parent training sessions builds more buy-in.
✨ Why communication style matters just as much as treatment plans.
✨ How MI can reduce burnout for therapists and supervisors.

This episode sets the stage for what’s to come: real stories, practical techniques, and honest conversations about using MI to create meaningful change in ABA and mental health.

If you enjoy this first episode, please hit subscribe, share it with a colleague, and stay tuned for more strategies you can start applying right away.

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