Association for Behavior Analysis International

Skinner opened the door for behavior analysts to apply the principles of behavior to a variety of areas (Skinner, 1953), and issues pertaining to mental health are no exception. More recently, the field of behavior analysis has focused on trauma informed practice and compassionate care training; however, questions on how this translates for behavior analysts on a practical and ethical level still remain. For Example: How do behavior analysts approach and intervene on the behaviors of individuals who present with co-occurring mental health issues and/or do not have a developmental disability? As behavior analysts begin to contact new information aimed at expanding or practicing beyond developmental disabilities, they may struggle to access specific training and supervision to best meet the needs of diverse clients who have not been represented in the behavior analytic literature. This panel will discuss recent applications of compassion on a practical and ethical level focusing on examples outside of developmental disabilities. This will include examples of education on trauma informed care, compassionate training and assent focused interventions, and understanding of psychological terms like "attachment" as delivered by and written for by behavior analysts.

Attendees should have a basic understanding of behavior analytic principles including verbal behavior. Awareness or interest in mental health diagnoses is recommended.