What I Wish I Knew Before Taking Behavioral Consultation (3 Credits)
Heyyy BCBA Ruby here!
So, you’re thinking about taking Behavioral Consultation in grad school? Or maybe you already signed up, and you’re gearing up for what’s ahead? Either way, this post is for you! I want to share what I wish I had known before diving into this class. It’s a course that pushes you to think critically, work creatively, and collaborate effectively. But it’s not without its challenges.
Let me break it down for you so you know exactly what to expect, and how you can prep for success.
It’s Not Just About Theory—It’s Practical Application
When I first enrolled in Behavioral Consultation, I expected it to be all about theoretical frameworks and models of behavior. And while that’s part of it, the course is really centered around applying those concepts in real-world scenarios. You’ll be doing a lot of case analysis, providing recommendations, and finding practical solutions for real clients—this is the stuff that you’ll actually do when you’re out in the field.
This means that preparing for your consultations requires more than just memorizing concepts. It’s about understanding the client’s needs, behavior, and environment, then figuring out the best interventions. If you love problem-solving, this class is a dream, but if you’re more into the theoretical aspects of ABA, you may have a bit of a learning curve.
Collaboration is Key—You’re Not Doing This Alone
In this course, you’re going to work with others. A lot. Whether you’re collaborating with your peers or simulating real-life consultations with your professors, you’ll need to lean on your teamwork skills. At first, I thought I could do it all on my own—just pull together a perfect behavior plan and solve every problem by myself. But consultation is all about collaboration, and working as a team is crucial to delivering the best solutions.
This means you’ll need to develop skills in communication, conflict resolution, and team dynamics. It’s not just about being the expert in the room, it’s about making the client feel heard, bringing all stakeholders into the process, and working together toward common goals. Trust me, the relationships you build are just as important as the behavior interventions you implement.
Expect to Be Challenged—It’s Not Always Smooth Sailing
One of the biggest surprises for me in Behavioral Consultation was how challenging it could be. You’re asked to balance theory with practicality, navigate complex client behaviors, and communicate effectively with people who may not always be on the same page as you. You’ll face clients who are resistant to change, team members who may not agree with your recommendations, and environments that make implementation tricky.
At first, I felt overwhelmed by all the variables that influence behavioral interventions—there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and each consultation is a unique challenge. But over time, I learned that challenges are part of the process, and how you adapt and pivot is what truly matters.
You’ll Need Strong Time Management Skills
As you probably know, grad school is no walk in the park, and this course is no exception. Behavioral Consultation often involves multiple layers: research, consultations, paperwork, follow-ups, and reflections. Balancing all of these components is crucial if you want to do well in the course.
I learned the hard way that good time management is essential. There were times when I found myself buried under case files and reports, wishing I had started things sooner. If you can organize your time effectively, prioritize tasks, and keep a steady workflow, you’ll feel much less stressed and be able to focus on providing the best consultation possible.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Another piece of advice I wish I’d taken earlier? Ask questions. Whether it’s clarifying assignment expectations or seeking guidance on a specific case, don’t hesitate to reach out to your professors or peers. In the field of behavioral consultation, the ability to seek input and gain different perspectives is invaluable. Even if you think you’ve got it all figured out, reaching out for feedback can often lead to better insights and better interventions.
Real-World Impact is So Rewarding
Now, let’s talk about the part that makes all the hard work worth it—the impact. When you’re working through consultations and collaborating on behavioral interventions, it’s easy to get bogged down by the challenges and technicalities. But, in the end, what really drives you is knowing that you are helping make a difference in people’s lives.
Whether it’s supporting teachers, parents, or clients themselves, behavioral consultation allows you to empower others to understand behavior and make meaningful changes. That moment when you see an intervention click or a team start to implement your recommendations—it’s priceless.
Key Takeaways for Behavioral Consultation
Don’t just memorize—apply: You’ll need to think critically and apply your knowledge to real situations.
Collaboration is crucial: Work with your peers, professors, and clients to come up with the best solutions.
Be prepared for challenges: Consultation isn’t always straightforward, but it’s through challenges that you grow.
Time management is your friend: Stay organized to keep everything moving smoothly.
Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to reach out for help when you need it.
The impact is real: The work you’re doing is making a difference, and that’s the most rewarding part.
So, if you’re about to take this course, get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive in! It's a challenging, rewarding, and incredibly valuable experience that will help shape the way you approach behavioral consultation in the field.
Until next time, keep learning, growing, and making a difference! 💙
