The relationship between behavior analysts and the families they serve is one of the most consequential variables in treatment outcomes — and one of the least systematically addressed in BCBA training. When parents feel like customers receiving a service rather than partners co-creating their child's treatment, engagement drops, generalization suffers, and families disengage from the very behaviors that drive durable change.
Provider: BehaviorLive — via Refocus Behavior
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Join Free →The "Humanizing Parent Engagement" course is designed to transform the approach of professionals in engaging parents of children with special needs. This course emphasizes the importance of treating parents as collaborative partners rather than mere customers. It focuses on building authentic, respectful, and effective communication channels between professionals and parents, acknowledging the unique challenges and emotions parents face when their child receives a diagnosis. This course aims to equip participants with skills and insights for fostering a more empathetic, understanding, and productive relationship with parents, ultimately benefiting the child in their care. Please Note: This recorded CEU course features Melanie Shank as the presenter and former Chief Coaching Officer of Refocus Behavior. While she is no longer employed by Refocus Behavior, the course remains a high-quality, engaging, and valuable learning experience. Additionally, the "Learning Journeys" name has been retired—our Continuing Education platform is now simply Refocus Behavior. Since 2020, Refocus Behavior has been a trusted source for the Behavior Analysis community, providing top-tier training and support. While we have evolved, our dedication to your professional growth remains the same. Thank you for learning with us!
| Certification Body | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|
| BACB® | 1 | Supervision |
| COA | 1 | — |
| QABA | 1 | Supervision |
| IBAO | 0 | — |
Since 2018, I’ve worked alongside children and families, empowering them to navigate challenges and pursue meaningful growth. My passion for coaching goes beyond strategies and techniques—it’s about connecting with people on a personal level, providing the compassionate support and guidance needed for self-determined change.I believe everyone’s journey is unique, which is why I approach coaching with empathy, understanding, and a focus on each individual’s story. My coaching style blends science and heart, combining evidence-based methods with a genuine desire to see others succeed.With my background in Applied Behavior Analysis, I guide clients through proven strategies for lasting transformation. Together, we’ll build the mindset and tools to achieve your goals, one step at a time.Visit 4 LYFE Coaching
Dig into the research behind this topic — plain-English summaries written for BCBAs.
256 research articles with practitioner takeaways
225 research articles with practitioner takeaways
205 research articles with practitioner takeaways
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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.