Stop Fighting Resistance: The Real Reason Clients Push Back (Motivational Interviewing)

“Clients aren’t fighting you… they’re fighting to feel understood.”In this episode of MI4Change, Dr. Monica Gilbert breaks down one of the most misunderstood concepts in therapy, ABA, and leadership: resistance.Why do parents, clients, and even supervisees push back—even when they know the intervention works?It’s not defiance.It’s not lack of motivation.And it’s not something you need to “win.”In this episode, you’ll learn:Why resistance is actually valuable informationHow ambivalence (not defiance) drives client behaviorWhy giving more advice often makes things worseHow to shift from fixing → evokingThe exact questions that help clients find their own solutionsHow to reduce burnout by working smarter, not harderYou’ll also hear a powerful strategy using future-based questions (the “miracle question”) to help parents connect present behavior to long-term goals—without confrontation.This episode is essential for therapists, BCBAs, psychologists, coaches, and leaders who want to:✔ Improve client engagement✔ Increase buy-in✔ Reduce resistance✔ Feel less frustrated in sessionsBecause the goal isn’t to convince people to change…It’s to help them want to change.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