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 work
• The 7 levels of reflections, from simple to advanced
• How to move from surface-level reflections to meaning-based reflections
• How double-sided reflections normalize ambivalence and create movement
• What strategic hypothesis testing reflections are — and how to use them ethically
• Why tone and intention matter as much as the words you choose
• How 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