This comparison draws in part from “The Behavior Analyst as Supervisor: Creating advanced supervision and mentoring repertoires” 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 the behavior analyst as supervisor: creating advanced supervision and mentoring repertoires, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Supervisor role | Directive: Expert instructor who provides specific guidance, demonstrates procedures, and monitors compliance | Collaborative: Consultant and thinking partner who facilitates the supervisee's clinical reasoning and problem-solving |
| Supervisee role | Directive: Learner who follows instructions, practices skills, and demonstrates competence through performance | Collaborative: Active participant who generates ideas, evaluates options, and takes ownership of clinical decisions |
| Best suited for | Directive: New supervisees, novel procedures, high-risk situations, or when specific technical skills need to be established | Collaborative: Experienced supervisees working on complex clinical problems, developing professional judgment, or building leadership skills |
| Feedback style | Directive: Specific corrective and reinforcing feedback on discrete skills, frequent, tied to observation | Collaborative: Reflective questioning, facilitated self-evaluation, discussion of alternative approaches and their trade-offs |
| Decision-making | Directive: Supervisor makes or approves major clinical decisions, supervisee implements with fidelity | Collaborative: Supervisee proposes clinical decisions, supervisor provides input, final decisions are jointly developed |
| Professional development emphasis | Directive: Building foundational clinical and professional competencies through structured skill development | Collaborative: Developing clinical reasoning, professional identity, leadership capabilities, and independent judgment |
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 the behavior analyst as supervisor: creating advanced supervision and mentoring repertoires 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.
The Behavior Analyst as Supervisor: Creating advanced supervision and mentoring repertoires — Linda LeBlanc · 2.5 BACB Ethics CEUs · $49.99
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
224 research articles with practitioner takeaways
200 research articles with practitioner takeaways
2.5 BACB Ethics CEUs · $49.99 · 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.