2024: St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud State University (2024)
Collecting Data on BCBA Trainee’s Interpersonal Skills During Professional Interactions
Odessa Luna, Eunju Choi, Michele Traub
Imagine a discipline where ABA professionals excel not only in applying behavioral principles and analysis but also in demonstrating mastery of empathy and effective communication. Despite the expectation for professionals to possess these critical interpersonal skills, there is often insufficient formal training provided to develop them. This micro-credential is designed to address this critical gap by focusing on the essential skills that foster strong therapeutic relationships with caregivers.
Drs. Odessa Luna, Michele Traub, and Eunju Choi have received support from SABA to develop an innovative micro-credential program. This initiative aims to provide specialized training for BCBA supervisors, consulting supervisors, BCaBAs, and BCBA trainees or students responsible for training caregivers in support contexts.
The program integrates a modified behavioral skills training model with a computer-based interface to equip supervisors with tools to deliver precise and impactful feedback to their supervisees. A key focus of this training is the evaluation and enhancement of empathy and effective communication skills—both critical for building strong therapeutic alliances.
Learners will participate in a dynamic assessment process, analyzing realistic video scenarios depicting interactions between caregivers and BCBA trainees. They will identify essential skills and provide both positive and corrective feedback, ensuring a comprehensive understanding and application of these vital competencies. For those requiring additional support, a structured remediation process is available to help them achieve mastery.
This micro-credential program aspires to elevate the standards of ABA supervision and professional practice. By equipping supervisors with advanced interpersonal skills, it aims to improve client outcomes through more empathetic and culturally responsive care.
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