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