Rethinking ABA:
Sustainable, Ethical & Balanced Careers
The old way of practicing ABA leads to burnout. It’s time for a new approach—one that supports both you and your clients.
Why So Many BCBAs® Burn Out—And How You Can Break the Cycle
Being a BCBA® should feel meaningful, rewarding, and fulfilling—but for many, the reality looks more like exhaustion, isolation, and ethical frustration. The system wasn't built for long-term career sustainability, but that doesn’t mean you have to follow the same path.
The Reality
Many BCBAs® enter the field full of passion, only to find themselves drowning in high caseloads, rigid systems, and unrealistic expectations. The pressure to focus on billable hours over meaningful impact can leave you questioning how much longer you can do this.
Overwhelming Caseloads → No time to focus on what really matters
Billable Hours Over Meaningful Impact → Ethical dilemmas & frustration
Lack of Support & Mentorship → Feeling alone in the field
Burnout & Exhaustion → Wondering how much longer you can do this
The Possibility
Imagine an ABA career where you feel supported, valued, and confident in your work. Where ethical decision-making isn’t a battle, and where you have the tools, mentorship, and strategies to create a career that is both impactful and sustainable.
Manageable Workflows → Clear systems to prevent overwhelm
Ethical, Impactful Work → Strategies to align work with values
A Supportive Network → Mentorship & collaboration with like-minded BCBAs®
A Sustainable Career Path → Self-care & work-life balance as a priority
That’s what we’re building inside the Dojo. A movement toward Sustainable ABA — one where BCBAs® can thrive, not just survive.
Watch the video below to learn how burnout happens—and what you can do to prevent it.
A Safe Space for Honest Conversations About ABA
In today’s ABA world, speaking up can feel risky. Too often, conversations on social media spiral into attacks instead of productive discussions. The Dojo is different—a community where you can ask questions, challenge ideas, and grow without fear of judgment.
ABA Conversations Shouldn’t Feel Like a Battlefield
The Problem: Social Media Feels Unsafe
Constructive conversations get drowned out by hostility and division.
Professionals hesitate to ask honest questions for fear of backlash.
Ethical discussions turn into call-outs instead of collaboration.
Many BCBAs feel isolated, unheard, and disconnected from their peers.
The Solution: A Supportive, Judgment-Free Community
A safe space for discussing ABA challenges without fear.
Conversations focused on growth, ethics, and client-centered care.
A network of professionals who share your values and respect different perspectives.
A place where your voice matters—even if it challenges the norm.
Listen to Episode 1.75 – Off the Record (But Not Really): A Raw Talk on Compassion, Inclusion, and Community.
Key Takeaways from the Episode:
The loudest voices on social media don’t always represent the majority.
Many professionals want a space to discuss ABA without hostility.
Ethical, client-centered ABA requires honest, open dialogue.
We can disagree without tearing each other down —collaboration moves the field forward.
You shouldn’t have to choose between speaking your mind and feeling safe. The Dojo is a space where thoughtful conversations lead to real solutions.
Real change in ABA starts with open, thoughtful discussion. In the Dojo, we create space for that change.
Rethinking Compliance: Why Assent Matters in ABA
Being a BCBA® should be about fostering meaningful, ethical, and sustainable learning experiences—but too often, the focus is placed on compliance over true engagement. When learners are forced into participation without their input, progress is often superficial and short-lived. But there’s a better way.
The Old Way
Traditional ABA too often prioritizes compliance over autonomy.
Learners are expected to follow directions without considering their willingness.
Practitioners feel pressure to prioritize data collection over client trust.
Ethical dilemmas arise when interventions prioritize results over dignity.
The New Approach
Assent-driven ABA transforms learning into a collaborative process.
Learners are given a voice, leading to stronger engagement and trust.
Ethical responsibility is upheld, ensuring interventions are both effective and compassionate.
BCBAs® feel confident knowing they are respecting autonomy while still achieving meaningful outcomes.
Respecting assent isn’t just best practice—it’s the key to long-term success in ABA.
Prioritizing Learner Autonomy – Assent is about giving learners a voice in their own ABA services, ensuring they are willing participants rather than just complying with instructions.
Ethical & Effective Practices – When we prioritize assent, we uphold our ethical responsibilities and create interventions that are both effective and respectful.
Beyond Compliance – Traditional ABA often focuses on compliance, but assent-based approaches ensure that learning is meaningful and empowering.
Building Trust & Engagement – Honoring assent fosters trust between learners and practitioners, leading to better long-term outcomes and genuine progress.
Practical Steps for Implementation – Learn simple ways to incorporate assent into everyday sessions, including recognizing learner cues, adjusting approaches, and fostering collaboration.
Understanding and honoring assent isn't just ethical—it’s essential for meaningful learning and trust-building in ABA.
Watch our video on assent-based practices in ABA and learn why respecting learners' autonomy leads to better outcomes.
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