In this episode of MI for Change, I’m sharing one of my favorite topics: how to translate Motivational Interviewing (MI) into ABA language—in a way that feels objective, teachable, and easier to apply in real sessions.

I walk you through a foundational paper—“A Behavior Analytic Account of Motivational Interviewing” by Michael Doerr & Paulette Christopher—and use it to break down MI concepts like intrinsic motivation, ambivalence, discrepancy, the MI Spirit, OARS, change talk vs. sustain talk, and differential reinforcement through a behavioral lens.

You’ll also hear the objective MI definition I constructed with input from behavior analysts:

Motivational Interviewing is the intentional arrangement—through timing, tone, and type of verbal contingencies—designed to evoke, differentially reinforce, strengthen, and generalize change talk.

If you’ve ever wondered how MI fits inside ABA (without losing the “spirit” of MI), this episode will help you connect the dots—and walk away with language you can use to train staff, teach interns, and strengthen parent coaching conversations.

Resources Mentioned:

• A Behavior Analytic Account of Motivational Interviewing (Doerr & Christopher) — link in show notes/description (add your link)

💬 Join the conversation:
Reply/comment with your take: Which MI concept do you want me to translate into ABA next?

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

If you’re new to Motivational Interviewing — or you’ve been “sort of” using the skills but still feel unsure — this episode is for you.
Today, I break down the exact starting point, the 3 essential habits every beginner should build, and how to know whether MI is actually working in session.

I also share my brand-new definition of Motivational Interviewing (yes — the short, digestible version!) and answer some of the most common questions I’m asked inside trainings.

💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

✅ The first MI skill you should use if you’re brand new
✅ How to integrate reflections without sounding robotic or scripted
✅ The three mindset shifts that immediately improve your MI conversations
✅ Why “intention” is the missing ingredient most practitioners overlook
✅ How to picture change talk vs. sustain talk using a simple thermometer metaphor
✅ The difference between supporting clients vs. pushing them
✅ How to know when clients aren’t “resistant”… they’re just not ready yet
✅ And what to do when YOU start feeling burnout or frustration

🗣️ Favorite Quote From This Episode:

“MI is the intentional arrangement of timing, tone, and verbal contingencies designed to evoke and strengthen change talk.”

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

Are your sessions starting to feel like you’re just chatting without real movement toward change?

In this episode of MI for Change, Dr. Monica Gilbert breaks down how to combine the OARS skills (Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflections, Summaries) with the four processes of Motivational Interviewing (Engage, Focus, Evoke, Plan) — so your conversations feel purposeful, not random.

Using a fun “building a closet” metaphor (yes, with almost-divorce-level assembly stress 😅), Monica shows you how OARS are your tools, and the four processes are your roadmap. When you put them together intentionally, you stop spinning in circles and start guiding clients toward meaningful, sustainable change.

Whether you’re a BCBA, psychologist, therapist, counselor, or other helping professional, this episode will help you:

💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• What OARS really are (from an MI and behavior-analytic lens)
• How to use OARS differently in each process:
  • Engaging – using OARS to build trust and rapport
  • Focusing – narrowing in on what actually matters (together)
  • Evoking – drawing out the client’s own reasons for change (DARN CAT!)
  • Planning – turning “why” into “how” with collaborative action steps
• Why empathy alone isn’t enough if there’s no movement toward change
• How to avoid getting stuck in endless venting or “nice” sessions with no direction
• A simple reflection prompt you can ask yourself before your next session:

Which process is my client in right now? And which OARS skill fits best here?

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