We are excited that MindShifting is now a regular series on LMC TV (Larchmont-Mamaroneck Cable) and hosted by Mitch Weisburgh. The series is a dynamic exploration of resourcefulness, resilience, and collaboration, bringing the MindShifting framework to an enthusiastic and engaged new audience. 

Whether you’re a parent, educator, leader, or anyone striving to navigate conflict and nurture growth in yourself or others, the MindShifting series brings together real-world experience and proven strategies to help you unlock new possibilities in your personal and professional relationships.

At the heart of MindShifting is the belief that the way we approach conflict—and more importantly, how we foster collaboration—can be fundamentally transformed by understanding human behavior and shifting our own mindsets. In each episode, the LMC-TV series will explore these topics with fantastic guests that bring their particular ‘local’ focuses to the conversations.

 In a recent episode featuring Maribel Nierenberg, a manager of social workers with a wealth of school-based experience, for example, the conversation dove deeply into the science and art behind helping others change.

Understanding Resistance: The Hidden Barrier

“We’re seeing a lot of students in the middle school age experiencing more externalizing behaviors—they’re unable to regulate themselves, (they experience) a lot of stress around academics…,” Maribel shared. 

Such resistance isn’t unique to students, however. In schools, homes, and workplaces alike, people of all ages experience a primal drive to defend, avoid, or withdraw when confronted with demands for change.

Unsurprisingly, simply “telling someone to change” rarely works as their automatic response is often a defensive one, triggered by the survival instincts of the brain. 

The resistance is not personal, it is a biological fear- or anxiety-based reaction to change.   Maribel explains, “I think it’s important to understand that the resistance is to whatever it is they’re trying to avoid.” Real progress starts with appreciating that resistance is a manifestation of unmet needs or protective instincts, not willful obstinance.

Calming and Connecting: The Key to Opening Doors

One of Maribel’s signature techniques is not diving headfirst into the “problem,” but first establishing an emotional connection and reducing tension. 

“Going in, if I know some information about a child, I might start by completely talking about something unrelated to what’s going on… it just kind of calms them down in order to get to a place where we can talk about what is actually going on for them.” 

If they are interested in sports,she explains, she might start a conversation about sports, or if they take care of their siblings, she might ask some questions about their care-giving, for example.

This practice isn’t just for kids. By meeting someone where they are and creating a safe space—perhaps talking about shared interests or validating their feelings—the brain’s limbic “alarm system” quiets down. As stress hormones dissipate, a person becomes more open and less reactive. 

As  Maribel notes, these moments aren’t only a pathway to dialogue but a foundation for trust: “It’s important to ask them what they need…because they’re just feeling like their needs are not being met.”

Motivational Interviewing: Moving from Telling to Listening

Maribel highlights one of her most powerful tools: motivational interviewing. 

This approach rejects the authoritarian “expert” model for one of curiosity, validation, and shared ownership. The person seeking to bring about change must first listen – not lecture – and allow the other person to find their own reasons and motivation for change. 

“It’s a person-centered approach…It’s really all about the other person versus like you being the expert. They’re the expert in their own treatment.”

Motivational interviewing is not just about asking questions—it’s about fostering an environment where the other person feels genuinely seen and heard. Practitioners approach each conversation with curiosity and a nonjudgmental mindset, focusing on validation rather than correction. 

Maribel emphasized, “I think it’s important to, during those moments, ask ‘what do you need’?” 

This technique invites the individual to articulate their needs, concerns, and hopes, which not only reduces defensiveness but also empowers them to take ownership of their journey. When people sense that their inner world is respected and that the conversation is a partnership rather than a prescription, they’re far more likely to open up to reflection, growth, and meaningful change.

The Requirements for True Collaboration

Conflict resolution is not a one-size-fits-all journey. The episode outlined several classic styles (competing, avoiding, accommodating, compromising, and collaborating), but underscored that true collaboration is attainable only when both sides operate from a resourceful, not reactive, state.

Maribel observed, “Collaboration is the most effective style when both parties are resourceful and not in survival mode.” In practice, this means doing the work—establishing connection, allowing space for feelings, creating psychological safety—before negotiating creative solutions. When both sides are calm, validated, and open, real collaboration can flourish, leading to outcomes where, as Mitch puts it, “the pie gets bigger, and everyone wins.”

Your Next Step: Make MindShifting Part of Your Journey

If you find yourself facing recurring conflict or longing for deeper, more authentic collaboration in any area of life, take the next step in your own MindShifting journey. Mitch Weisburgh’s new book, MindShifting: Conflict and Collaboration, distills the frameworks, stories, and actionable strategies from the LMC TV series and beyond. It’s an invaluable guide for anyone eager to influence more powerfully and connect more meaningfully.

Ready to unlock your potential as a collaborator, influencer, or compassionate guide for others? Get your copy of MindShifting: Conflict and Collaboration available for pre-order on Amazon. Begin your transformation—and help others transform—with the insights and guidance that matter most.

You can also download the 30-Second Conflict De-Escalator guide that is taken from the book and was discussed on the show.

You can watch the entire episode below, or on the MindShifting With Mitch LMC TV Playlist, where you can also find previous episodes.

Remember, MindShifting isn’t something we talk about once and move on. It’s an ongoing  conversation…and now, a monthly local cable TV show and a weekly LinkedIn/Substack Live interview.

Let’s keep it going.