Stuck to Unstoppable
with Jewel Parham
Behavior Bites Podcast - Ep42June 19, 2024How often do you stick with things, even when they aren’t working, just to see them through?
Have you done a values-based assessment to determine what behaviors to engage in to bring you closer to your goals?
During today’s meal— I speak with a behavior scientist and doctoral student about learning how to pivot when things aren’t working, juggling all the responsibilities, and reducing burnout by present moment awareness and focusing on recharging.
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Amuse-Bouche
- Tell us about Black Women In Behavior Analysis Appreciation Day
Appetizers
- How did you get into Behavior Analysis?
- How did you learn your soft skills?
- Describe yourself with one word
Palate Cleanser
- Describe a recent meal you loved
Entrees
- When was a time you failed, and what did you learn from that experience?
- What’s something you wish you could have told yourself when getting started?
- How do you use ACT to work on burnout?
Dessert
- Who are your role models and inspirations?
- How do you practice self-care and balance?
Excerpts from the Episode
(*Paraphrased highlights)-
BWIBAAD aims to uplift and celebrate the diverse voices of black women in behavior analysis and foster a community of collaboration, growth, and equity, through ongoing recognition and advocacy.
We are working on a newsletter to spotlight black women and behavior analysts making a difference. We're going to have community happenings, events, and opportunities. We're also going to feature black behavior analysts who have their own business and who are doing wonderful things in their communities.
We’ll have study tips and information for RBTs to professional development and training information for behavior analysts. It’ll also include burnout tips, networking tips, content about black love and applying behavior analysis to relationships, and a number of different things that would interest behavior analysts.
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By exposing myself to different contingencies. I love being around different people. I grew up in a predominantly middle class, black community, and then I was bused into a school district that was predominantly white.
I have all different kinds of friends from all different walks of life. I have friends who have been in the criminal justice system and friends who are teaching at institutions. I’ve tried to have as many types of friends as I could and always ask questions and be willing to do my own research and learn.
I'm not in this world by myself. Even as a Black woman, my experience may be different than another Black woman's experience. So it's really paying attention to the world that I'm in and paying attention to the people that are around me.
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I got a license to open my own ABA practice. I started accepting clients, went through all the billing and organizational business stuff, and learned a great deal of information during that process— things I never thought of when it came to having a small business.
I started out just taking clients myself, but I was thinking about adding other clinicians and technicians. When it came time for the annual license renewal, I chose not to renew. I used to question that decision. Should I have kept going?
I'm the type of person that if I'm going to do something, I like to see things through. However, at that time, I decided not to renew the license because I was feeling like I needed to do something different. I had been learning about all these other things career-wise, that behavior analysts were doing, and I just felt like there was a different path.
What I ended up learning from that experience is that it's okay to pivot. It's okay to embrace flexibility and adjust your actions, and still be in alignment with your values.
ABOUT Jewel
Jewel Parham, MS, BCBA, LBS
Jewel Parham is a dedicated behavior scientist passionate about values-based living and overall well-being. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and doctoral student at The Chicago School actively working on her dissertation.
Jewel has experience working in multiple environments including public and private schools, and center-based services. She has worked with children and adolescents with and without developmental disabilities.
Jewel is the editor of the Black Women in Behavior Analysis Appreciation Day (BWIBAAD) newsletter. Her interests include Relational Frame Theory (RFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), cultural and diversity issues in ABA, social media, and artificial intelligence.
Jewel is dedicated to advancing the field of Behavior Analysis and is committed to exploring innovative strategies, fostering equity, inclusion, and interdisciplinary collaborations to drive positive change within the field.
CONNECT with Jewel
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