Behaviour Speak with Ben Reiman

In this episode of Behaviour Speak, Ben sits down with Dr. Monica Gilbert to unpack what’s often missing in behaviour analysis: true engagement. While clinicians are trained in evidence-based interventions, many still struggle with caregiver buy-in, staff engagement, and sustained change. Dr. Gilbert argues the issue isn’t the science—it’s the conversation. Drawing from her work in clinical psychology and behaviour analysis, she introduces motivational interviewing (MI) as more than a technique—it’s a way of being. From understanding ambivalence to aligning with a client’s stage of change, this conversation challenges the compliance mindset and replaces it with collaboration, autonomy, and meaningful partnership. If you’ve ever felt like your interventions “should work” but aren’t landing—this episode is your missing piece.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/EGG7sDzN2ms

This episode is presented by our founding academic partner, the Doctor of Education in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis program at Western University’s Faculty of Education. 

Program Information: https://www.edu.uwo.ca/graduate-education/edd/applied-behaviour-analysis.html

How to apply: https://www.edu.uwo.ca/graduate-education/apply.html

Program brochure: https://www.edu.uwo.ca/graduate-education/edd/foe120_edd_aba_r1.png

Continuing Education Credits (https://www.cbiconsultants.com/shop)

BACB: 1.0 Learning
IBAO:  1.0 ABA Topics
QABA: 1.0 General
CBA/CPD: 1.0 Learning  

Follow us!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behaviourspeak/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/behaviourspeak/

Contact Dr. Gilbert

https://drmonicagilbert.com/

Crystal Minds Psychological Services

https://cmpstherapy.com/owner-profile

 

Links:

MI For Change Podcast

https://open.spotify.com/show/1RFSGrj1w5MPjTQpEN4Vi5?si=159a5e5e7c8b4855'

How to Stop Talking and Start Communicating with Motivational Interviewing: Building Effective Partnerships with Caregivers: A Practical Guide for Behavior Therapists By Dr. Monica Gilbert
https://a.co/d/0h6wOGcn

MINT:

https://motivationalinterviewing.org/

 

Article on The Transtheoretical Model: 

Prochaska, J. O., & Velicer, W. F. (1997). The transtheoretical model of health behavior change. American journal of health promotion : AJHP, 12(1), 38–48. https://doi.org/10.4278/0890-1171-12.1.38

For more conversations on approaches towards buy-in and collaboration check out these two episodes:

Episode 71: The Magic Of The ACT Matrix

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-71-the-magic-of-the-act-matrix-with-mary-penrice-edmondson-ms-bcba-tina-long-med-bcba-and-monica-peters-mads-bcba/

Episode 20:  Consulting in Group Homes Using ACT

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-20-consulting-in-group-homes-using-act-with-monica-peters-mads-bcba/

In this episode of Behaviour Speak, Ben sits down with Hong Chun Tan and Alexa Goh to explore the rapid development of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) in Malaysia. What began as parent-led initiatives has evolved into a coordinated national effort—complete with certification pathways, university programs, and a growing professional community.

Hong and Alexa share the behind-the-scenes story of forming the Malaysia Association for Behaviour Analysis (MABA), developing national standards, launching the first graduate-level ABA program in Southeast Asia, and introducing the MCBA (Malaysia Certified Behaviour Analyst) credential.

They also discuss the cultural, logistical, and ethical considerations of building ABA infrastructure in a unique regional context—and what other countries can learn from Malaysia’s approach.

Watch on YouTube!:  https://youtu.be/VRjkVPemB94

Continuing Education Credits (https://www.cbiconsultants.com/shop)

BACB: 1.5 Ethics
IBAO:  1.5  Cultural
QABA: 1.5  General
CBA:    1.5  Cultural Diversity 

Follow us!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behaviourspeak/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/behaviourspeak/

Contact:

Alexa Goh

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexagoh/

Hong Chun Tan

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hong-chun-tan-msc-bcba-qba-mcba-lba-dha-doh-a6ab7567/

Links:

MABA (Malaysia Association for Behaviour Analysis)

https://m-aba.com/

Sunway University ABA Program

https://sunwayuniversity.edu.my/faculty-of-medical-and-life-sciences/courses/master-of-applied-behaviour-analysis\

SEA ABA Conference, where professionals are coming together to shape the future of ABA in Southeast Asia.

https://seaaba.org/

Related Episodes:

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/ep-241-behaviour-analysis-in-the-philippines-with-razelle-kaye-castillo-bcaba-kristine-gomez-ma-bcba-kathryn-mendoza-ma-ed-bcba/

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-211-the-florida-child-welfare-behavior-analysis-services-program-with-han-leong-goh-phd-bcba-d-lba/

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/incorporating-filipino-values-in-behavioral-health-with-dr-pauline-tolentino-pablo-dbh-bcba/

What happens when there are no autism services in your country? In this episode, Ben speaks with Maxcia Williams, a parent, advocate, and behaviour technician in the Turks & Caicos Islands, about her journey raising a son with autism in a system that didn’t yet exist—and how she helped build one. From navigating stigma and cultural myths to founding the Hope Foundation for Autism Awareness, Maxcia shares what it means to move from isolation to impact. This conversation explores culturally responsive care, workforce challenges in small communities, and the power of caregiver-led change. At the heart of the episode is Israel—Maxcia’s son—whose journey into self-advocacy, homeschooling, and authorship reminds us that autism is not a limitation, but a different path.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZqhcnZnjN4I

This episode is presented by our founding academic partner, the Doctor of Education in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis program at Western University’s Faculty of Education. 

Program Information: https://www.edu.uwo.ca/graduate-education/edd/applied-behaviour-analysis.html

How to apply: https://www.edu.uwo.ca/graduate-education/apply.html

Program brochure: https://www.edu.uwo.ca/graduate-education/edd/foe120_edd_aba_r1.png

Continuing Education Credits (https://www.cbiconsultants.com/shop)

BACB: 1.5 Ethics
IBAO:  1.5 Cultural
QABA: 1.5 General
CBA/CPD: 1.5 Cultural Diversity   

Follow us!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behaviourspeak/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/behaviourspeak/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behaviorspeak

 

Contact Maxcia

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxcia-williams-ibt-ados-2-administrator-1b735a77/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/maximalicious/

The Elephant Rooms - (The clinic Maxcia works in)

https://theelephantrooms.com/team/

Links:

What Happens Next?  by Isreal Rigby

https://www.amazon.com/What-Happens-Next-Isreal-Rigby-ebook/dp/B0CTZV63ZM

Caribbean Association for Behaviour Analysis

https://caribbeanba.org/leadership/

The Black Association of Behavior Analysts

https://babainfo.org/

International Behavior Analysis Association

https://theibao.com/

To learn more about behaviour analysis in the Caribbean, check out these interviews:
https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-93-behaviour-analysis-in-the-caribbean-with-kim-woolery-gabi-torres-and-sloane-pharr-strang/

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-97-bridging-the-gap-culturally-responsive-telehealth-and-behavior-analysis-with-kimberly-woolery-ms-bcba/

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/epiosde-187-culturally-grounded-autism-training-for-black-parents-with-camille-proctor/

In this special role-reversal episode, Dr. Asmahan Saleh Khalil returns—this time as host—to interview Behaviour Speak’s own Ben Reiman. Marking five years and close to 300 conversations, Ben reflects on the unexpected evolution of the podcast—from a simple networking idea to a global platform amplifying diverse voices in behaviour analysis. Together, they explore: The origins and evolution of Behaviour Speak What global conversations revealed about access, equity, and culture Common challenges across countries in building ABA services The impact of Ben’s late ADHD diagnosis Why cultural humility and self-reflection are essential in practice The “missing link” in ABA training: working with people The role of motivational interviewing and the constructional approach What’s next—including multilingual episodes and global expansion This is a deeply personal and reflective conversation about growth, discomfort, and the power of listening across cultures.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/GMwTUnOWYoQ

This episode is presented by our founding academic partner, the Doctor of Education in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis program at Western University’s Faculty of Education. 

Program Information: https://www.edu.uwo.ca/graduate-education/edd/applied-behaviour-analysis.html

How to apply: https://www.edu.uwo.ca/graduate-education/apply.html

Program brochure: https://www.edu.uwo.ca/graduate-education/edd/foe120_edd_aba_r1.png

Links:

CBI Consultants

https://www.cbiconsultants.com

Asmahan Saleh Khalil

https://drasmahan.com/about/

https://www.instagram.com/dr.asmahan.sk/

Dr. Monica Gilbert

https://drmonicagilbert.com/

MI for Change Podcast

https://open.spotify.com/show/1RFSGrj1w5MPjTQpEN4Vi5?si=9393ff06f5244066

Ben's First Interview with Danni Reid

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-1-racism/

Interview with Ben's BCBA Supervisor

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-18-values-based-supervision-and-mentorship-with-hilary-mcclinton-med-bcba/

Interview with Dr. Rocío Rosales

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-30-a-conversation-with-dr-rocio-rosales-phd-bcba-d/

Interview with Alia Yasir

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-145-behavior-analysis-in-pakistan-with-alia-yasir-bcaba-iba/

Corina Jimenez-Gomez and Lauren Beaulieu Cultural Responsiveness Research

Jimenez-Gomez, C. and Beaulieu, L. (2022), Cultural responsiveness in applied behavior analysis: Research and practice. Jnl of Applied Behav Analysis, 55: 650-673. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.920
 

Beaulieu, L. and Jimenez-Gomez, C. (2022), Cultural responsiveness in applied behavior analysis: Self-assessment. Jnl of Applied Behav Analysis, 55: 337-356. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.907

April is MENA Heritage Month - Check out these episodes for FREE CEUs!

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/ep-243-culturally-responsive-behaviour-analysis-in-the-united-arab-emirates-with-amina-maliki-med-bcba/

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-240-from-the-frontlines-civilian-stories-of-war-and-resilience-with-dr-iman-farajallah/

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-238-behaviour-analysis-in-bahrain-with-ingy-alireza-med-ms-bcba/

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-232-behaviour-analysis-in-sudan-with-salma-abdelrahmanabdalla-med-iba-qba/

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-228-the-nubian-egyptian-behaviour-analyst-with-nehal-siam-mped-bcba-rba-ont/

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-218-behavior-analysis-in-morocco-with-mina-el-qalli-qasp-s-iba/

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-215-behavior-analysis-in-turkiye-with-dr-buket-kisac-demiroglu/

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-200-safeguarding-vulnerable-children-in-the-arab-world-with-dr-asmahan-saleh-khalil/

 Check out these episodes on the Constructional Approach!

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-257-a-compassionate-approach-to-exposure-therapy-with-danielle-cohen/

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-252-applications-of-the-constructional-approach-with-dr-madhura-deshpande/

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-250-the-constructional-approach-a-primer-with-awab-abdel-jalil/

In this episode, Ben sits down with Danielle Cohen to explore Constructional Exposure Therapy (CET)—an emerging, compassionate approach grounded in the constructional framework of behaviour analysis. Rather than focusing on eliminating fear or escape behaviour, CET identifies the behaviour the person needs to access meaningful outcomes—and systematically teaches it in a way that maintains choice, assent, and low distress throughout. Danielle shares how this approach: - Reframes reinforcement through the lens of critical consequences - Uses shaping with negative reinforcement in a practical, ethical way - Prioritizes multiple pathways to success (and genuine assent) - Allows learners to opt out—without stopping progress Through powerful case examples—including supporting a learner through a blood draw and teaching independent nail clipping in under an hour—this episode highlights what’s possible when we truly align effectiveness with compassion.

 

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jjk7LrWWM1Y

This episode is presented by our founding academic partner, the Doctor of Education in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis program at Western University’s Faculty of Education. 

Program Information: https://www.edu.uwo.ca/graduate-education/edd/applied-behaviour-analysis.html

How to apply: https://www.edu.uwo.ca/graduate-education/apply.html

Program brochure: https://www.edu.uwo.ca/graduate-education/edd/foe120_edd_aba_r1.png

Continuing Education Credits (https://www.cbiconsultants.com/shop)

BACB: 1.0 Learning
IBAO:  1.0 ABA Topics
QABA: 1.0 General
CBA/CPD: 1.0 Learning  

Follow us!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behaviourspeak/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/behaviourspeak/

Contact

Danielle on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-cohen-bcba-0a247a213/

Links:

Facebook group: https://m.facebook.com/groups/700952357829957/?ref=share&mibextid=wwXIfr

Article on CET: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Awab-Abdel-Jalil-2/publication/373767631_TOWARD_A_CONSTRUCTIONAL_EXPOSURE_THERAPY/links/64fb1cd510813375f267dc4e/TOWARD-A-CONSTRUCTIONAL-EXPOSURE-THERAPY.pdf

Exposure therapy literature review: Abdel‐Jalil, A., Baldwin, J. N., & Leaf, J. B. (2024). Exposure‐based treatments for fear and reactivity to medical procedures: A systematic review of the literature with implications for research and practice. Behavioral Interventions, 39(3), e2010.

Concept analysis on assent: innehan, A.M., Abdel-Jalil, A., Klick, S. et al. Foundations of Preemptive Compassion: A Behavioral Concept Analysis of Compulsion, Consent, and Assent. Behav Analysis Practice (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-023-00890-1

Another paper on compassion and assent: https://www.maracalearning.com/assets/can-there-be-compassion-without-assent_-a-nonlinear-constructional-approach.pdf

To learn more about the constructional approach, check out the first two episodes in our series
Episode 250: The Constructional Approach: A Primer with Awab Abdel-Jalil

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-250-the-constructional-approach-a-primer-with-awab-abdel-jalil/

Episode 252: Applications of the constructional approach with Madhura Deshpande

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-252-applications-of-the-constructional-approach-with-dr-madhura-deshpande/