What is Behavior Shapes?

Behavior Science is:

Behavior science is a broad term that is used to encompass a variety of disciplines that include human behavior. It explores why humans do what we do? What influences the behavior and what does it continue to occur in the manner in which it does? Pretty neat stuff if you think about it.

My practice relies on behavior science to inform my instruction and interventions. I weave together a therapeutic model grounded in behavior science that is compassionate, relatable, highly individualized, and creative.

I am trained in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) which is grounded in Behavioral Science.

What ABA is:

• Scientifically supported

• Ethical and compassionate way of working with people

• Focused on teaching skills

• Applicable to people of all ages and abilities

• Evidence based (that means its proven to work because its been tested)

• Highly individualized and tailored

• Versatile and sustainable

What ABA is is not:

• Rigid one size fits all model

• Only for people with disabilities

• Cruel and unethical way of teaching

• The same every time its implemented

• Token boards, tangible and edible rewards

• Extrinsic motivation only

Psychological flexibility comes from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy otherwise known as ACT. ACT is a scientifically proven therapeutic approach that emphasizes the acceptance of one’s personal feelings and commitment of personal values. ACT can greatly serve parents when navigating many of the challenges of parenthood through developing flexible thinking. ACT equips parents with strategies to manage stress, communicate effectively with their children, and build stronger, more meaningful connections within the family.

In my practice I use ACT to support parents in learning essential skills of for navigating parental stress, adapting to their child’s needs, handling parental expectations, modeling emotional regulation, and enhancing overall wellbeing.

Art provides a versatile and inclusive avenue for neurodivergent and neurotypical learners to enhance psychological flexibility, increase communication skills, develop coping strategies, strengthen social skills, and develop perspective taking. Whether its through individual or group activities, the creative process can empower, inspire, and contribute to the overall well-being of individuals within disabled population. I use ceramic arts integration to create a fun and interactive experience with my learners. The benefits of such a tactile medium create number benefits including but not limited to the decreases in anxiety and depression through something called the effort driven reward cycle (Lambert 2008) and increasing neuroplasticity.