When You Don’t Feel Enough as a BCBA: Embracing Imperfection and Self-Compassion

Heyyy, BCBA Ruby here!

If you’re reading this, I’m guessing you’ve had one of those moments where you feel like you’re not doing enough as a BCBA. Maybe you’re questioning whether you’re giving your clients the best possible support or wondering if you should be doing more for your team. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of self-doubt when the pressure is high and the work is demanding.

I want to take a moment to talk about that feeling—of not being enough. You’re not alone, and it’s totally normal to feel that way. But just because you’re feeling it doesn’t mean it’s true. Let’s dive into why you might feel like you’re not enough and how we can shift that mindset together.

1. The Weight of Responsibility

As a BCBA, we carry a lot of responsibility on our shoulders. We’re responsible for creating behavior plans, ensuring that interventions are effective, and making sure our clients are progressing. We oversee a team, guide RBTs, support families, and work on continuous professional development.

It’s no wonder we sometimes feel overwhelmed by all the hats we wear. Every decision we make feels important, and we often hold ourselves to very high standards. That weight of responsibility can sometimes make us feel like we’re not doing enough, but the reality is that we’re doing the best we can with the tools and knowledge we have at the moment.

2. The Comparison Game

We’ve all done it. We look around at our colleagues—other BCBAs, other clinicians—and start comparing ourselves to them. “They seem to have it all together.” “They’ve been doing this longer, and their cases are thriving.” The truth is, comparison can be toxic and misleading.

You don’t see the behind-the-scenes struggles or the moments of doubt that others are going through. Everyone has their own pace, journey, and challenges. The success you see on the surface doesn’t always tell the full story.

3. Perfection Doesn’t Exist

As BCBAs, we aim for precision, evidence-based practices, and constant improvement. It’s part of what makes us great at what we do! But it’s also easy to slip into perfectionism and feel like if something isn’t perfect, we’ve failed.

Here’s the thing—perfection doesn’t exist. The field of ABA, like any profession, is full of gray areas. We don’t have all the answers, and that’s okay. What matters is that we are doing our best, we are learning, and we are committed to improving.

4. The Fear of Burnout

One of the hardest things to deal with as a BCBA is burnout. When you’re constantly giving your energy to others—clients, teams, parents—it can be hard to leave any energy for yourself. This can lead to feelings of being inadequate, like you’re falling short in one area or another because you’re spread so thin.

Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your clients. Self-care is essential for longevity in this field. You are enough, but you can’t give your best if you’re running on empty.

What Can We Do About It?

1. Practice Self-Compassion

The first step to overcoming those feelings of not being enough is practicing self-compassion. Instead of being your harshest critic, try to speak to yourself like you would to a friend. Would you tell a colleague who’s struggling that they’re not enough? Of course not. You’d encourage them, remind them that they’re doing great, and offer support.

Give yourself that same grace. Recognize that you’re human, that mistakes are part of growth, and that you’re doing the best you can. You are enough, and you’re making a real difference in the lives of your clients and their families.

2. Set Realistic Expectations

There’s no such thing as perfect. Instead of striving for unattainable perfection, set realistic and achievable goals for yourself. Celebrate the small wins, and recognize that every step forward is progress—even if it doesn’t feel like it.

Set boundaries where needed. It’s okay to say no to extra tasks or projects if it’s going to push you beyond what you can handle. Protecting your mental and emotional health should always be a priority.

3. Reach Out for Support

If you’re feeling inadequate, it can be incredibly helpful to talk to someone who understands—whether that’s a colleague, supervisor, or mentor. Having open and honest conversations with others in the field can help normalize what you’re going through.

Being a BCBA can feel isolating at times, but there is a community of professionals who are going through similar challenges. You don’t have to carry the weight alone.

4. Focus on the Bigger Picture

When you’re feeling like you’re not enough, it can be helpful to step back and look at the bigger picture. Remember why you became a BCBA in the first place. Reflect on the successes, however small, and recognize the positive impact you’ve had on your clients and their families.

You’re making a difference. You’re helping individuals grow, learn, and achieve things they may never have thought possible. That is enough.

Final Thoughts

It’s normal to have moments of doubt, but don’t let those moments define you. You are doing incredible work as a BCBA, and even though it may not always feel like enough, it is. Give yourself the grace to grow, learn, and know that you are doing meaningful work that matters.

So, to all the BCBAs out there feeling like they’re not enough—I see you. You are enough. And you’re exactly where you need to be.