This comparison draws in part from “Honest Look in the Mirror — Accepting Your Role in Problems” by Linda LeBlanc, PhD, BCBA-D, Lic Psy (BehaviorLive), and extends it with peer-reviewed research from our library of 27,900+ ABA research articles. The decision framework, BACB ethics code references, and cross-links below are synthesized by Behaviorist Book Club.
View the original presentation →One of the most consequential decisions a behavior analyst makes is not just what intervention to use, but how to approach the clinical question in the first place. For honest look in the mirror — accepting your role in problems, the difference between an evidence-based, individualized approach and a traditional, protocol-driven one can significantly impact outcomes.
This guide lays out the key factors side by side to support your clinical decision-making.
| Factor | Evidence-Based Approach | Traditional Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Primary focus during sessions | Reflective: The supervisee's thought processes, decision-making, and self-awareness | Directive: Specific clinical skills, procedures, and correct implementation |
| Supervisor's role | Reflective: Facilitator who asks questions and guides analysis | Directive: Expert who provides answers and demonstrates correct practice |
| Best suited for | Reflective: Experienced supervisees who need to develop independent clinical judgment | Directive: New supervisees who need foundational skills and clear procedural guidance |
| Impact on supervisee independence | Reflective: Builds strong independent problem-solving and clinical reasoning skills | Directive: May foster dependence on the supervisor for decision-making if overused |
| Time efficiency | Reflective: Sessions may take longer as the supervisee works through problems; investment pays off in long-term independence | Directive: Sessions may be more time-efficient in the short term; may require ongoing intensive supervision |
| Error management | Reflective: Errors are treated as learning opportunities to be analyzed and understood | Directive: Errors are corrected promptly with clear instructions on the preferred approach |
| Emotional climate | Reflective: Tends to create a more collaborative, psychologically safe environment | Directive: Can feel hierarchical; effectiveness depends heavily on the supervisor's interpersonal skills |
| Risk profile | Reflective: Risk that supervisee may arrive at incorrect conclusions without sufficient guidance | Directive: Risk that supervisee may implement correctly but not understand the rationale behind procedures |
The ABA Clubhouse has 60+ on-demand CEUs including ethics, supervision, and clinical topics like this one. Plus a new live CEU every Wednesday.
Use this framework when approaching honest look in the mirror — accepting your role in problems in your practice:
Does the data support a need for intervention? Is there a meaningful impact on the individual's quality of life, safety, or access to reinforcement?
YES → Proceed to assessment NO → Document reasoning, monitor
A functional assessment should guide intervention selection. Avoid defaulting to standard protocols without individual analysis. Consider environmental variables, setting events, and private events.
YES → Select evidence-based approach matched to function NO → Complete assessment first
Goals should be co-developed. Assent and informed consent are ethical requirements. The individual's preferences and values matter in selecting both goals and methods.
YES → Proceed with collaborative plan NO → Engage in shared decision-making
This course covers the clinical and ethical dimensions in detail with structured learning objectives and CEU credit.
Honest Look in the Mirror — Accepting Your Role in Problems — Linda LeBlanc · 1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $20
Take This Course →We extended this decision guide with research from our library — dig into the peer-reviewed studies behind each approach, in plain-English summaries written for BCBAs.
279 research articles with practitioner takeaways
239 research articles with practitioner takeaways
236 research articles with practitioner takeaways
1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $20 · BehaviorLive
Research-backed educational guide
Research-backed answers for behavior analysts
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All behavior-analytic intervention is individualized. The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute clinical advice. Treatment decisions should be informed by the best available published research, individualized assessment, and obtained with the informed consent of the client or their legal guardian. Behavior analysts are responsible for practicing within the boundaries of their competence and adhering to the BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts.