Giving Assessment Feedback Without Triggering Defensiveness (Using Motivational Interviewing)

Giving assessment results to parents can be one of the most emotionally charged moments in clinical work.In this episode of MI for Change, Dr. Monica Gilbert explores how Motivational Interviewing (MI) can help clinicians deliver psychological and educational assessment feedback in a way that feels supportive, collaborative, and empowering—instead of overwhelming or defensive.You’ll learn why even technically accurate feedback can miss the mark emotionally, how fear and grief often show up as “defensiveness,” and what to say (and not say) when sharing difficult results like an autism diagnosis or learning challenges.Whether you’re a psychologist, behavior analyst, therapist, school professional, or parent-facing clinician, this episode will help you transform feedback sessions into conversations that foster understanding and forward movement.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why parents may shut down during assessment feedback—even when you’re “doing everything right”How MI helps reduce defensiveness and emotional overwhelmQuestions that invite collaboration instead of resistanceHow to evoke next steps without pressuring familiesWays to balance clinical clarity with empathy and partnership🎧 Listen now and learn how how you communicate results can change what happens next.Learn more about Motivational Interviewing and explore on-demand courses at www.drmonicagilbert.comJoin 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