So, You're Thinking About A Career in ABA? A Guide to Starting Your BCBA or BCaBA Supervision Journey

Just last week, I got a call from a former colleague who's ready to switch gears and dive into the world of ABA. It got me thinking about that unique mix of excitement and overwhelm that comes with starting something completely new—especially when it’s something as structured and impactful as fieldwork supervision in ABA.

Let’s be real for a second: there’s a ton of information out there about getting started with fieldwork supervision, and for good reason! These standards exist to keep the quality of care high, ensuring that behavior analysis remains the transformative (and, let’s face it, kind of magical) science we know it to be.

But hey, just because there’s a lot to learn doesn’t mean the process has to feel daunting. So, here’s a straightforward guide for anyone considering a career in ABA and beginning their journey toward BCBA or BCaBA certification.

1. Education: The First Step

If you’re aiming to become a BCaBA, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree. For the BCBA path, a master’s degree is required. But don’t worry if you’ve already got your degree! The next step is to complete verified coursework specific to behavior analysis. To find a Verified Course Sequence Program that is right for you, check out the Association for Behavior Analysis International’s (ABAI) Verified Course Sequence Directory.

2. Get Experience—And Make Sure You Love the Work

After deciding to pursue this path and setting up your education plan, the next crucial step is gaining hands-on experience in the field, if you haven’t already. Practical experience isn’t just required—it’s a way to test the waters. What if you invest time and money into this path and realize it’s not the right fit? While those of us in the field think ABA is one of the most rewarding careers out there, it’s not for everyone, and that’s okay!

Another reason you need to be working in the field is to begin collecting your fieldwork hours. These are the hands-on hours where you receive supervision and mentorship (spoiler alert: that’s where Evolve Behavior comes in!).

3. Do Your Homework: The BACB Handbook

Reading the BACB BCBA Handbook is a must. And if you’re pursuing BCaBA certification, there’s a separate one just for you. Yes, your supervisor should know all the requirements, but it’s equally your responsibility. After all, this is your chosen field, and being informed is part of being a professional.

4. Steps to Get Started:

Here’s a quick recap:

1. Decide on your career path.

2. Enroll in the necessary education program.

3. Find a job that aligns with your fieldwork requirements (you don’t have to be an RBT—many trainees work in educational settings or related fields).

4. Once you’ve started your coursework and have a fieldwork setting, it’s time to dive into fieldwork supervision.

5. Finding the Right Supervisor

You might be lucky enough to have an on-site supervisor who’s fully available to guide you through every step. But often, on-site supervisors are juggling a lot—supporting families, mentoring RBTs, and keeping client progress on track. If that’s the case, don’t worry! You can add a remote supervisor to your team. In fact, having a combination of on-site and remote supervision can be a game changer.

We’ve even put together a guide on how to find the right remote supervisor for your needs. The more perspectives and mentors you have, the better! Think of it like growing a mentor tree instead of just collecting supervisors like Pokémon. It’s about expanding your network, learning from different experiences, and setting yourself up for success in this field.

6. Understanding the Different Supervision Models

Not all supervision experiences are created equal, and understanding the available models can help you make the right choice for your fieldwork supervision. The two primary options are Supervised Fieldwork and Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork. Supervised Fieldwork requires more hours but less intense supervision, while Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork involves fewer hours with more frequent supervision. Both models require working under a qualified BCBA supervisor, but each has its own demands in terms of time and structure. Choosing the right model depends on your individual goals, schedule, and preferred level of support.

7. Quality over Quantity in Supervision

One common misconception is that supervision is just about hitting those required hours. But it’s so much more than that. The quality of the supervision matters more than the quantity. You want to ensure that your supervision sessions are rich in feedback, skill development, and opportunities for discussion. Make sure your supervisor is someone who genuinely invests in your growth and tailors the experience to your needs.The truth is, once you’re a BCBA, employers expect you to step into that role with confidence and minimal guidance.

8. Document Everything

While this might seem like a no-brainer, documentation is key in this process. Accurately tracking your fieldwork hours, supervision meetings, and experience activities is crucial—not just for meeting the BACB’s requirements but for reflecting on your growth. The BACB has very specific requirements on how hours need to be documented (e.g., which activities count and which don’t), so understanding this early on will save you a lot of headaches later.

9. Self-Care During Fieldwork

The transition into ABA and fieldwork can be intense, so we remind trainees to prioritize work-life balance and set healthy boundaries. Burnout is a real concern in this field, especially when balancing coursework, work, and supervision. We encourage future BCBAs to make self-care a priority as they embark on this journey.

10. Staying Current with Ethical Guidelines

Ethics play a significant role in ABA practice, and the BACB’s Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts is a living document that gets updated. Part of your responsibility as a trainee (and later as a professional) is staying up to date on any changes to these guidelines. We emphasize to our trainees how critical it is to incorporate these ethical standards into everyday practice and how they should be central in supervision discussions.

Starting something new is always a bit of a leap, but with the right resources and a clear plan, you’ll be on your way to making a difference in the world of behavior analysis in no time. Good luck—you’ve got this!

Supervisor Insights: Cultivating Trust and Connection with Clients

Ever felt like pairing oneself is akin to selecting a character in your favorite video game? It’s not just about choosing any character, but selecting the one that vibes perfectly with your gaming strategy.

That’s what ‘pairing’ is all about in the world of ABA. It's not just being another character in a client's world; it's about becoming their go-to player, their trusted sidekick. Building strong, genuine connections goes beyond just pairing ourselves with things our clients like. We aim to really get them and be a trusted part of their ABA journey. If you’re new to ABA, let’s quickly catch you up to speed!

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), often referred to as ABA therapy, is a science-backed method designed to decode and transform behavior. It shines particularly bright in autism treatment. When applied with care, ABA paves the way for our clients to cultivate deeper, more meaningful connections.

And, pairing is the bridge between understanding behavior and building skills.

At its core, pairing is all about forging meaningful bonds. No matter your title - be it RBT, BT, BCBA, BCaBA, or a trainee just starting out - the ABA journey is anchored in establishing trust with your client. Their perception of our sincere dedication to their well-being is pivotal.

Often, our immediate focus involves prioritizing our agenda and the goals we should be addressing during sessions. However, while not directly related to ABA, we think of a Rogerian approach, which underscores the value of first prioritizing the establishment of relationships. The concept of child-centered or client-centered therapy, where the therapist considers the individual's unique needs and preferences, is consistent with the idea of individualizing interventions for enhanced efficacy (Henley, 2019). By doing so, we pave the way for genuinely impactful skill development. Relying strictly on fixed agendas without this emphasis might inadvertently render the therapy experience as “transactional” for clients. Furthermore, building this rapport has tangible benefits; it mitigates potential challenging behaviors and increases responsiveness (Kelly, 2015).

The "transactional" feeling can be alleviated when there's a genuine focus on the client's overall well-being, understanding client preferences, individual differences, and incorporating them into therapy.

What specific terms should we keep in mind when considering pairing?

Reinforcer: Technical Definition - A stimulus change or event that, when presented immediately following a behavior, increases the likelihood of that behavior occurring again in the future under similar circumstances. (Cooper, Heron, & Heward, 2019)

Example: Think of a worker receiving a bonus for a job well done; they're likely to put in that extra effort again, anticipating a similar reward.

Conditioned Reinforcer: Technical Definition - A previously neutral stimulus that, after being paired repeatedly with other reinforcers, may acquire the capacity to function as a reinforcer itself. (Cooper, Heron, & Heward, 2019)

Example: Think about your morning alarm. At first, it's just a sound that wakes you up. But if every time it rings, you immediately smell the aroma of freshly brewed coffee from the kitchen, over time, that alarm sound alone might make you think of that delicious coffee even if you're not at home. The alarm? It's become a conditioned reminder of your morning coffee.

Generalized Conditioned Reinforcer: Technical Definition - A type of conditioned reinforcer that has been paired with multiple types of unconditioned and conditioned reinforcers and therefore is reinforcing in many situations regardless of the individual’s current needs or desires. (Cooper, Heron, & Heward, 2019)

Example: Money is a common generalized conditioned reinforcer. You can use it to buy food, toys, experiences, etc. So, even though you might not be hungry or wanting something specific at the moment, money is still valuable to you.

Your Ultimate Guide to Be the Coolest ABA Therapist:

Grand Entrance: Start with a genuine, "Hey, there!” Demonstrate you're in tune with THEIR rhythm. This isn't about over-the-top excitement or relentless cheering. It's about truly grasping their needs and preferences in the moment. Get to recognize your client’s version of happy, relaxed, and engaged, and strive to resonate with that vibe consistently.

Oopsie Fixes: Oops moments are a part of the journey. Sometimes we might stretch a boundary or momentarily place our plan above our client's comfort. The key? Own it, adjust, and move forward with grace.

Jazz Up the Mundane: Spot those 'snooze moments' and give them a fun twist. Let's face it, we all have those tasks that make us groan inwardly. The secret sauce? Mix in a pinch of what you enjoy! Think of that one task or chore you'd rather avoid. How can you jazz it up a bit? Maybe it's washing dishes while grooving to your favorite song or getting lost in a podcast.

Don’t be Stingy: We're aware that behavior analysts are enthusiastic about contingencies and the idea of earning reinforcement through specific actions, but occasionally, a substantial amount of noncontingent reinforcement (like simultaneous access to many of their favorite things all at once) can be an effective approach.

What are some practical ideas we’d provide to trainees?

Enjoyable Activities: Start your sessions with something the client loves, making it clear that time with you is going to be fun! You could even bring their favorite thing with you, so they can't wait to see you at the door. It's an awesome feeling, right?

Feedback: Offer sincere praise when the client tries or accomplishes a task, and it's not about going overboard with enthusiasm. As Greg Hanley puts it, "The child should be more excited than you," and we admit, we've been those therapists who can get a bit too carried away with joy. It's understandable; it's hard not to get excited, but it's also important to regularly check in with your client and gather feedback on your approach. Do they agree with how you're doing things? Even if some clients might not express it verbally, their non-verbal cues can speak volumes.

Join In: Engage in play or activities alongside the client, showing you're genuinely interested in what they're doing while keeping in mind that not everybody builds relationships the same way, so ensure you’re following your client’s lead.

Choice: Let clients pick what they want to do during sessions, like choosing activities or toys. It can make them feel in charge and shows we care about what they like. This means you are not necessarily the one to offer choices, but allow your client to pick something that is available in the environment. Also, it's important to let them sit out if they're not feeling it.

Bring Novel Items: Occasionally bring in a new toy, book, or game that they've not seen before. This can create unexpected excitement and a positive association with your sessions.

Be Predictable: Maintain a consistent structure or routine that the client can anticipate, ensuring a sense of safety and reliability when they're with you.

Incorporate Preferred Items: Know what the client loves – be it a toy, snack, or activity – and integrate it into the session. This shows that what is important to them is important to you.

Active Listening: Demonstrate to the client that you're actively engaged by responding thoughtfully to their remarks, questions, or actions, and be willing to adapt your approach accordingly.

Alright, ABA enthusiasts! Share your experiences in the comments below. What fantastic pairing strategies have you successfully implemented in your journey?

Sources

Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2019). Applied Behavior Analysis (3rd Edition). Hoboken, NJ: Pearson Education.

Hergenhahn, B. R., & Henley, T. B. (2019). An introduction to the history of psychology. Cengage Learning.

Kelly, A. N., Axe, J. B., Allen, R. F., & Maguire, R. W. (2015). Effects of presession pairing on the challenging behavior and academic responding of children with autism. Behavioral Interventions, 30(2), 135–156. https://doi.org/10.1002/bin.1408

The Epic Client Observation Adventure: ABA Supervision Unleashed

Raise your hand if you love the sound of your own voice on video! Crickets Yeah, us too. (Not.) It's about as enjoyable as getting a root canal, but hey, it's one of those "necessary evils" in the world of ABA supervision.

What's that you say? You'd rather watch videos of us making fools of ourselves? Well, don't hesitate to drop us a line, and we'll consider it. Wink

Our supervisor, the wise Shir, has deemed client observations an underrated gem in the supervision experience. And why not? This is where you, dear ABA trainees, come to life and unleash your inner superstar! Plus, we get to witness the incredible potential of your clients. Talk about a win-win!

Allow us to break down the fabulous benefits of watching a client observation video with your supervisor:

1. Your client's not around, so you can chat about their behavior and future care plans while preserving their dignity. We live for that!

2. Hone your therapy skills with invaluable feedback from your supervisor. Mastering top-notch therapy is vital for boosting your client's positive outcomes and for teaching others the art of impeccable ABA therapy.

3. Dive into the nitty-gritty of client behavior, data collection accuracy, and future program directions – all based on real observations, not second-hand anecdotes. Hallelujah for systematic, data-driven approaches!

But wait, you're not a video wizard with mad editing skills, and you're using your trusty phone to record. How on earth do you score those envy-inducing client observation clips? Fear not! Our dynamic duo, Evolve Behavior trainees Summer and Alex, have got your back with their hilarious how-to video!

So, buckle up and embrace the epic adventure that is the client observation in ABA supervision. You might just find it's not as dreadful as you thought!

Finding a Remote BCBA Supervisor: Essential Questions to Ask

Join us on a journey as we follow Amber’s experience of finding a remote BCBA supervisor. Amber is a fictional character created to represent individuals in her situation.

Amber sat in her apartment at her desk, surrounded by notebooks and textbooks. As she flipped through the pages of her third edition Cooper, Heron, Heward Applied Behavior Analysis textbook, she felt a mix of excitement and overwhelming anxiety. She had just been accepted into her master’s program, and she was eager to start her coursework. However, the process of knowing where to begin was daunting. To make matters worse, she didn’t have a network of certified people around her to guide her, but she knew she needed to accumulate her BACB fieldwork hours.

Amber was terrified by the idea of a remote BCBA supervisor. She had no way of knowing if the experience would be as supportive as an in-person BCBA supervisor. She wondered if they would be as reliable, helpful, or knowledgeable. The idea felt like a risk, and she wasn’t sure she was ready for it. Despite her fears, she tried to push them aside and focus on her master’s program. However, the idea of BCBA supervision hours continued to loom over her.

To face her concerns head on, Amber began to research countless remote BCBA supervisors while comparing and contrasting their qualifications and experience. She didn't want to make a mistake and end up with a supervisor who wasn’t a good fit, wasting time and money. Afterall, this was a person she would be spending nearly 100 hours with, and she wanted to know upfront if it would work out.

As Amber began her journey in the field of applied behavior analysis, she learned that the process of finding the right supervisor was crucial. She eventually found a remote BCBA supervisor who was a great fit and provided her with the support and guidance she needed.

Amber found the following questions were helpful when searching for a remote BCBA supervisor who was a good fit for her:

Do you meet the minimum standards to supervise trainees? (you can check the BACB registry for this information)

What HIPPA or FERPA software do you use?

How is work evaluated?

What settings have you practiced in?

What diagnoses have you worked with?

What professional associations do you belong to?

Can I see your resume?

How do you handle conflict management?

What is your availability and responsiveness when it comes to providing feedback?

How do you tailor a supervision experience to meet the individual needs and goals of each trainee?

What is your track record of helping trainees pass the BCBA exam and become successful behavior analysts?

What is your approach to ethical and professional conduct?

By asking these questions, Amber was able to find a remote BCBA supervisor who was a good fit for her.

Deciding if remote supervision in applied behavior analysis is a good fit for you depends on several factors that are specific to your individual needs and circumstances. Here are some factors to consider:

Accessibility: one of the main advantages of remote supervision is that it can be done from anywhere, which means that you have access to a wider pool of potential supervisors. Consider whether you have access to a local supervisor and whether remote supervision is a better option for you.

Comfort with Technology: remote supervision requires the use of technology, such as video conferencing, email, and messaging apps. Consider whether you are comfortable with technology and whether you have the necessary equipment and Internet connection to participate in remote supervision.

Supervisor Availability: when considering remote supervision, it’s important to ensure that the supervisor you choose is available and responsive to your needs. Consider their availability and communication style to ensure that they can provide you with the support you need. You also can have multiple supervisors to support your experience, if you need additional support beyond one supervisor.

Accountability: remote supervision requires a higher degree of accountability and self-direction. Consider whether you are able to hold yourself accountable and complete tasks independently until your next “in-person” meeting.

Ultimately, the decision to pursue remote supervision should be based on your individual needs, preferences, and circumstances. It’s important to do your research, ask questions, and carefully consider all factors before making a decision.