Why Ignoring Rapport in ABA is a Mistake You Can't Afford to Make
Heyyy BCBA Ruby here,
Let’s dive into one of the biggest mistakes you can make as a BCBA—ignoring the importance of rapport. We’ve all heard it: “Trust is everything.” And trust, my friends, starts with rapport. If you aren’t building strong relationships with your clients, their families, and even your team, you’re missing out on a major key to success.
But why do some people ignore this? What happens when rapport is overlooked? Let’s talk about why it matters and why you should never skip this crucial part of the process.
🚨 Why Ignoring Rapport is a Huge Mistake
✅ Client Cooperation – Without rapport, clients are less likely to engage in therapy, which slows down progress. If they don’t trust you, they won’t participate in sessions fully. And trust doesn’t happen just because you’re the expert—it’s built over time.
✅ Motivation and Progress – If a client feels comfortable and safe with you, they’re more likely to be motivated to learn and succeed. Rapport fosters an environment where they can thrive, take risks, and face challenges.
✅ Team Dynamics – Rapport isn’t just about clients; it’s about your team, too. As a BCBA, you have to build trust and respect with your RBTs/BTs. Without it, team communication, collaboration, and effectiveness all take a hit.
✅ Parent Collaboration – Building strong rapport with parents helps them feel valued and heard. When they trust you, they’re more likely to follow through with treatment plans and make consistent progress at home.
❌ What Happens When You Skip Rapport
When rapport isn’t prioritized, it can lead to:
🚩 Resistance to Therapy – A client might refuse to engage, act out, or withdraw from therapy because they don’t feel connected to you. This is the opposite of what we want.
🚩 Increased Stress – Not having rapport means both you and the client are working in a constant state of tension, and it’s not easy to make progress in that environment.
🚩 Lack of Trust from Families – Parents might feel like you don’t have their child’s best interests at heart if they don’t see a positive connection. Without that trust, parent buy-in can suffer.
🚩 Burnout – If you don’t make an effort to create genuine relationships, you might end up feeling burnt out and disconnected from your work, too.
💡 How to Build and Maintain Rapport
🔹 Be Present – Put your phone down, give them your full attention, and actively listen to what the client or family is saying. People can sense when you're truly engaged in the conversation.
🔹 Consistency is Key – Show up consistently, be predictable, and stick to your word. Trust is built over time, and being reliable is huge.
🔹 Show Empathy – Validate emotions, listen without judgment, and create a safe space for your clients to express themselves.
🔹 Adapt to Individual Needs – Not everyone connects in the same way. Whether it’s your clients, families, or team members, take the time to get to know their unique needs and adapt your approach.
🔹 Be Authentic – Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Clients can sense genuine warmth and care. Stay true to who you are and build trust that way.
Final Thoughts
Rapport is everything. It’s the foundation on which everything else is built. If you skip it, you’re setting yourself and your clients up for frustration and stalled progress. The good news is—rapport is a skill that can always be improved. It just takes time, effort, and consistency.
So, don’t overlook it! Whether it’s with your clients, families, or team, building rapport will not only make therapy more effective but also make your work more rewarding. 💙
Got any tips for building rapport? Drop them in the comments! 💬
