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Learn powerful ACT training skills to foster parental collaboration and achieve therapeutic goals.
As a behaviour analyst (BCBA) working in the field, you understand how essential it is to enlist the support of parents when working with autistic children. This book offers proven-effective acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) training skills to get parents on the same page and working with you to achieve measurable results.
The Behavior Analyst's Guide to Working with Parents offers a comprehensive conceptual framework for using ACT in parent training contexts. With this clinical guide, you will find a brief overview of relational frame theory (RFT), rule governance, and how these core concepts and principles align within the ACT model. The book also provides:
Finally, you’ll find an overview of specific ACT components that highlight detailed assessment considerations and metaphor development for each component: such as present moment awareness, acceptance, flexible perspective taking, and values-based action.
If you’re looking for strategies to improve parental collaboration, this book has everything you need to get started.
"The Behavior Analyst’s Guide to Working with Parents provides a practical conceptualization for how behavior analysts can incorporate acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) with caregivers within their scope of competence. Alyssa Wilson conveys technical content in a conversational and engaging way. I appreciated the emphasis on creating reinforcement-rich environments for caregivers. I will refer to this work often and suggest it to behavior analysts learning ACT."
- Kendra Thomson, PhD, BCBA-D, associate professor at Brock University; and clinician-scientist at Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
"The board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) professional is aware of the practical constraints in reaching the parents of their clients, despite knowing they must. Alyssa Wilson has provided a road map for doing something about this that fits with the current way ABA services are defined, authorized, and delivered. Parents of children with complex health needs facing their own mental health challenges will benefit greatly from this book."
- Becky Nastally, PhD, BCBA-D, owner and executive director of Bloom Behavior Therapy, and instructor at Murray State University
"Alyssa Wilson provides a comprehensive account of ACT as a behavior-analytic intervention within the area of parent training and coaching. The chapters build on each other to provide a broad understanding of the components of ACT as behavioral repertoires, and specific guidelines and practical steps to pave the way for implementation. Essential reading for any behavior analyst working with parents, families, and caregivers."
- Marianne L. Jackson, PhD, BCBA-D, professor of psychology, coordinator of the graduate training program, and clinical director of ABA services at California State University, Fresno
"Alyssa Wilson’s guidebook for including mindfulness and acceptance in parent training is full of ‘ah-ha’ moments. Her scientific, flexible approach emphasizes curiosity, perspective taking, and awareness during behavioral intervention. She shares easy-to-understand strategies that create more positive and joyful family experiences. The tools also help parents cope with everyday challenges. This resource cements Wilson’s status as one of the field’s primary advocates for kind, human-centric behavioral services."
- Robyn M. Catagnus, EdD, LBA, BCBA-D, adjunct full professor at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, and vice president of service excellence at Brightside Benefit
"In this timely and comprehensive guide, Alyssa Wilson skillfully integrates the conceptual and practical knowledge behavior analysts need to engage in ACT-consistent parent training and collaboration. This book serves as a valuable resource for professionals to develop their competence in ACT training, as well as behavioral approaches that attend to the needs of caregivers holistically, considering both effective parenting and parent well-being."
- Dana Paliliunas, PhD, BCBA, assistant professor at Missouri State University, and coauthor of AIM
"A necessary but previously missing component to parent training, Wilson’s integration of foundational concepts in ABA, considerations, and explicit guidance around ACT, improves my work with clients and their families. This book fills the gap in ABA that should be ever-present on everyone’s mind: mental health and empowerment to incorporate ACT, further establishing my scope of practice in this area through considering the ever-important work with parents."
- Heather Lewis, MSW, EdS, BCBA, assistant clinical professor at Saint Louis University
