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

Supervision doesn’t have to feel like pulling teeth. 🦷

In this episode of MI for Change, Dr. Monica Gilbert explores how Motivational Interviewing (MI) can transform the way we communicate with supervisees and interns — turning resistance into reflection and compliance into collaboration.

If you’ve ever felt frustrated when supervisees don’t take data, follow through on feedback, or seem disengaged, this episode is for you.
Through real-world examples and practical strategies, Monica shares how to replace the “fixing reflex” with curiosity, empathy, and partnership.

💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

✅ How to use MI principles (open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries) in supervision
✅ How to apply the Ask–Offer–Ask (AOA) approach when giving feedback
✅ Ways to build trust and rapport with new therapists and interns
✅ Why autonomy and collaboration matter more than control
✅ How curiosity can replace correction — and lead to real growth

💬 “If we don’t have rapport, we have nothing.”

• Learn more about MI tools and supervision strategies at www.drmonicagilbert.com ✨ Use code CHANGE15 for 15% off any on-demand course through MI Academy

💬 Join the Conversation:

How do you foster collaboration and autonomy in your supervision sessions?
Reply or share your thoughts in the comments — I’d love to hear what’s worked for 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

Have you ever avoided a difficult conversation with a client or parent because it felt too uncomfortable? You’re not alone.

In this episode of MI for Change, Dr. Monica Gilbert explores the “pink elephant in the room” — those unspoken issues that fill our emotional cup until it overflows.

Through a simple (and slightly wet!) metaphor, Monica illustrates how avoidance can build frustration and burnout — and how Motivational Interviewing (MI) gives us the tools to face those moments with courage and empathy.

You’ll learn:
✅ How to recognize when your “cup” is getting full and what to do before burnout hits
✅ Ways to address uncomfortable issues with clients using reflections, affirmations, and open-ended questions
✅ How to reframe confrontation as collaboration
✅ Real-life examples of boundary setting and repair from the field

💬 “When clients push back or avoid, that’s not rejection — it’s an invitation to communicate.”

If you’ve ever dreaded a hard conversation, this episode will help you build confidence, compassion, and connection — one reflection at a time.

💬 Join the Conversation:
What’s one tough conversation you’ve been avoiding — and what MI skill could help you approach it differently?
Reply or share your reflections in the comments!

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