Doing All The Things
with Lauryn Elder
Have you ever heard a behavior analyst discuss relationship based treatment?
Have you ever wondered how behavior analysis can be used outside of ABA?
In this 2-part feast — I talk to a behavior analyst and certified trauma practitioner about what a “typical” day looks like for her, how she uses our science in different ways, and what she wishes she knew when she was entering the field.
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Amuse-Bouche
What does relationship-based treatment and pairing mean?
Appetizers
How did you get into Behavior Analysis?
What’s a typical day look like for you?
What creative projects are you doing outside of your typical work?
Palate Cleanser
A big part of your life are your dogs, could we dive into who they are?
Entree
What’s something you wish you could have told yourself when you were getting started?
If there were no barriers or constraints, what would be your dream project?
Dessert
What is the best compliment you have ever received?
What’s an “insult” you’ve received that you’re proud of?
How do you practice self-care?
What is your favorite thing about what you do?
Excerpts from the Episode
(*Paraphrased highlights)-
As a business owner, contractor, and creative— I am constantly doing something different. My days are NEVER the same. My typical work day will start around 9am-11am and end around 6:30pm/7:00pm.
I see 6am-9am as time to fill my own bucket and make sure my needs are met before I jump into work. This can be an extra hour of sleep, walking my dogs, eating a bigger wholesome breakfast, going to therapy, to crossfit, or chores. I try to leave wiggle room to practice what I preach and meet myself where I am at.
In the afternoon— I often have 1:1 ACT clients, and parent training clients. Sometimes, I will see community based clients, or do observations in different settings during this time. I save this for assessments, and research/ education opportunities as well.
In the late afternoons— I have my after school clients in the home setting. I typically do parent training in person during this time as well.
After work— I emphasize dinner and wind down. If I didn't get movement in, I might add in a long walk, some pickle ball or fun outside, or a crossfit class.
Then a night a week I try to make sure to connect with our friends who we do not cross paths with in our day to day!
In my free time (when I’m regulated, lol) I engage in my creative projects/ side hustles such as social media management, freelance art and photography, and health behavior coaching.
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You do not have to do everything the way your supervisors trained you. Trust your professional judgment. Seek out resources that are meaningful to you. Seek outside supervision if needed. ASK and accept help and DON'T be afraid to say that you don't know. It is incredibly freeing to be open about not having all of the answers.
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The insult that always comes to mind was the time I was told that I was "too pro-active." The conversation occurred when I was discussing a medically fragile client who needed high levels of support and care. I remember thinking how insulting it was... and how motivating it simultaneously was for me to begin planning my business model and how I would work as a contractor moving forward.
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My favorite compliment I have ever been given is quite silly. I had a colleague, then mentee, now dear friend tell me that she enjoyed how "whole brain," I was. That I was able to be curious and analytical, creative and logical. and I felt really validated by that compliment and revisit it a lot when I am having a hard time feeling grounded.
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I am just fascinated by the human experience. Understanding why we do what we do— and how our environments impact us, is not just my work— but it's truly intriguing to me. It was a skill I had learned at such a young age to make sense of observed patterns of addiction, and self-harm behavior.
Diving deep comes natural to me— and I love how this work expands my human experience as well. It is always creating opportunities for me to challenge myself, have difficult conversations, and practice showing up even when defeat may be present. I am so honored as well, that the families I serve allow me to be present in their space, and connect with them on a level that most practitioners are not able to experience. It truly is a beautiful thing. The families I serve inspire me every day, and teach me just as much as I teach them.
ABOUT Lauryn
Lauryn Elder, M.Ed., BCBA, Certified Trauma Practitioner
Lauryn Elder, Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Certified Trauma Practitioner. Owner of The Holistic Behaviorist. Advocate for compassionate, relationship first, Neurodiversity affirming care.
Connect with Lauryn
* Website— theholisticbehaviorist.com* Instagram— @theholisticbehaviorist
Visit my Podcast page to learn more about Behavior Bites!
