Bidirectional Balance
with Dr. Ashley Fiorilli
Behavior Bites Podcast - Ep59March 26, 2025When you observe others, do you ever examine what you are bringing to the environment?
Could you be adding reinforcing or punishing vibes to the situation?
During today’s meal— I speak with a behavior analyst and trauma-informed ACT coach about her experiences being in the field for over 15 years, her pivot to consulting, and how she finds balance between all of her responsibilities.
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Amuse-Bouche
What do you mean by your passion for “Aversive Appetitive Lens of Behavior Analysis”?
Appetizer
How did you get into Behavior Analysis?
How did you pivot from clinician to consultant/mentor working in ACT?
Palate Cleanser
You have the day off. How are you spending your time and describe the food you are getting.
Entree
Something you wish you could have told yourself when getting started?
What are people surprised to find out about you?
Dessert
What’s a typical day in your life look like?
How do you practice self-care?
Excerpts from the Episode
(*Paraphrased highlights)-
In my Acceptance and Commitment Therapy/Training, the shift of really looking at the human in front of me through an aversive and appetitive lens has added to my ability to be a flexible clinician.
I feel like what makes me want to talk about it to people is that a lot of times we're honed in on the very discreet ABC of everything, and that's the aversive space, but we don't often really talk about it in the larger context. What are the other reinforcing qualities that bring joy to this person? Where do we see the little movements towards change? Where do we see the smaller movements towards that aversive space?
I think that's kind of the place where it's like a really broad response class for most of those and how we're operating, and the more broad, the more flexible we can be as clinicians— which just excites me.
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That was early intervention days. At that point, the team I was working with was basically the first set of people telling families, hey, we see red flags of autism. Looking back, that's a lot for a 20-something year old who doesn't have a reference for a lot of these other family dynamics to be able to sit down with a parent and be like, so we are seeing these things.
So I think, being proud of that younger version of me, like you had a little more strength than you realize for that time and the things that were being asked of you in those moments, and the creativity that came out of programming because of those things. I'm really grateful for that. Additionally, it's all going to unfold in a really beautiful way. Trust in that process for yourself and give yourself compassion for those harder moments.
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Not a lot of people know that I have a doctorate. Even in meetings, people are like, well Dr. so and so is here (for the psychiatrist) and then they're like, and here's Ashley. I'm like, oh yeah, I have one of those too but like, I don't care. So I think that's a surprising factor for when I'm meeting people.
Also, in the last year I've tried a lot of new things. I took a voice lesson. I went to adult gymnastics. I'm taking a stained glass class. I think people are surprised to be an adult and still trying things to figure out what brings you joy. You don't figure it out at a specific age, and so I think that's also surprising to people.
ABOUT Ashley
Ashley Fiorilli, PhD., BCBA, 500 RYT, CCTSI
Dr. Ashley Fiorilli has worked in the field of human services since 2006.
In 2006, I started working with infants and toddlers with developmental delays, as well as those who were deaf and hard of hearing or visually impaired. Over the last 9 years, I have worked with individuals with autism and related disabilities in school, home, clinic, and group settings.
In 2014, I completed my doctorate in International Psychology, with an emphasis in Organizations and Systems from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. The core curriculum provided a foundation for creating sustainable change through connective collaboration.
In 2016, I received training on the framework of Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT), which fueled my passion for helping others across the lifespan and all abilities. I have continued to expand my ACT repertoire over the last 6 years, with symposiums, conferences, practicums, and focused trainings.
In 2018, I completed my 200 hours in Yoga Teacher Training, which augmented my skill set in implementing ACT services, across clients. In addition, in 2020, I completed my 500 hours in Yoga Teacher Training.
In 2019, I began consulting with individuals as a Behavior Analyst focusing on mindfulness, self-discovery, habit and pattern change, and transformative behavior techniques.
CONNECT with Ashley
Instagram: @ashnfio
Website: bestillbeconnected.comPodcasts: Just ACT Podcast Balanced & Becoming PodcastPlease support our podcast by leaving a rating or review!
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