If you’ve ever felt like traditional “motivation” strategies don’t land with neurodivergent clients… you’re not imagining it.

In this episode, I break down how to use Motivational Interviewing (MI) in a way that actually fits autism, ADHD, and PDA profiles—without overwhelming, pressuring, or accidentally triggering shutdown.

We talk about the practical stuff clinicians often miss:

Why social approval isn’t always the motivator (and what to focus on instead)

How processing speed + sensory load changes the way we should communicate

Why short, concrete reflections often work better than long summaries

What changes when demands feel threatening (PDA), even when your intentions are good

The simplest shift you can make today: replacing “What’s your goal?” with “What feels important right now?”

You’ll leave with language you can use immediately—especially if you work with teens, adults, or verbal kids who want change… just not at the cost of feeling controlled.

🎧 Listen now, and tell me: what neurodivergent profile do you work with most?

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

Most professionals don’t struggle because they don’t care.

They struggle because the people they’re trying to help… don’t see what’s in it for them.

In this episode of MI for Change, I had the pleasure to sit down with Dr. Paulie to talk about why telling people what to do rarely leads to real change—even when the advice is solid and well-intentioned.

Together, we explore:

* Why “resistance” is often a signal—not a problem
* How values drive behavior more than information ever will
* What happens when professionals unintentionally impose their own values
* Why consent, buy-in, and engagement are skills—not personality traits
* How Motivational Interviewing helps people change without pressure or coercion

This conversation is for clinicians, educators, leaders, and helpers who’ve ever thought: “Why isn’t this working?”

If you work with parents, staff, clients, or teams—and change feels harder than it should—this episode will help you see why.

Learn More about Dr Paul Gavoni: https://thebehavioraltoolbox.com/

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

with clients.

You’ll learn why trauma is fundamentally about loss of control, and how MI restores what trauma takes away: choice, voice, and agency — without removing accountability or direction.

This episode breaks down:

• Why “trauma-informed” has become a buzzword (and how it’s often misunderstood)
• How MI prevents re-traumatization by supporting autonomy
• The difference between trauma-informed care and permissive therapy
• Why avoiding discomfort isn’t the same as providing safety
• How MI helps re-engage clients who feel “therapied out”
• How to balance compassion and movement in clinical conversations

Whether you’re a therapist, clinician, or someone who wants to communicate more ethically and effectively, this episode will help you rethink what trauma-informed care really looks like in action.

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