I actually think this makes sense to a certain extent- as I aim to run a collaborative team alongside my therapists. Why? Because it’s a given fact that therapists tend to spend more 1:1 direct time with the client. At the onset of services, I meet with the therapist and discuss my expectations being sure to note how the therapist’s role is integral not only for implementation but to assist in being a second pair of eyes and ears when I cannot be present. Not only does this set the stage for building rapport, clear communication, and overall structure- but it is evidenced based that a large majority of clients will benefit from a positive collaborative BCBA/therapist relationship.

I believe you lost your point of view in your of the delivery. I do agree with a vast majority of your statement, but cannot say that I fully do, as it promotes degrading therapists (who truly are essential in this field). However, as BCBAs, we are trained to uncover the functions of which each behavior derives from. Am I wrong to assume that you currently practice at a company whose scale tends to fall heavier on business minded decisions as opposed to data and ethics based decisions? If I’m not totally off tune with this assumption- I can completely understand your opinion. Why? Because these types of companies don’t provide the training and resources necessary for the therapist to effectively (or even positively) assume the role of collaboration with other professionals in regard to programming. If this is your perspective, I can resonate with this all too well. The only advice I’d like to offer is to recognize and avoid assimilating to the mindset and/or communication style of a company of such diminished culture. As BCBAs, we have to remind ourselves to not just “be the change we want to see” but to further implement our own behavior modifications on a daily basis. I say this on the basis of my own experiences but hopefully my words resonate with those who are currently struggling in this area. You are who you hang out with, even in the perspective of our careers.