When I work as an ABA therapist in the United States, I don't do this with my parents.

When you work as a BCBA therapist in the U.S., it may vary by company, clinic, and state, but you will receive lengthy instructions telling you to avoid contact with your parents.

I don't think I ever received separate instructions like this when I worked in Korea, so I think there are people who will find this helpful.

I'd like to briefly share just a few things I remember :)

Since the situation of every BCBA and parent is different, it is not absolute, but it is best to avoid these situations as much as possible.

1) All information about the child is asked during the initial interview, and after that, information that may confuse parents, such as diagnosis or disability, is not asked.

During the initial interview, we receive all information from the parents and ask them about their child and family in as much detail as possible.

Many families are tired of hearing and answering these questions, so once treatment begins, they no longer ask about their child's diagnosis or disability information.

If you know the child well, those who think about it may be rather confused.

Of course, it is okay if the guardian brings the story up for consultation first.

2) ABA therapists do not talk about their personal lives.

Therapists are ethically expected to establish professional, not personal, relationships with caregivers and families. We exist to help children and families, and talking about personal lives and experiences can actually harm relationships.

3) Do not share anything about your personal life or opinions.

For similar reasons as number 2, communicating your personal life or opinions (politics, religion, social issues, views, etc.) can also get in the way of forming professional relationships.

However, other daily conversations can of course be shared unless you are undergoing treatment.

However, it is best to only do this during non-work-related times, such as when data is being collected, treatment is in progress, or counseling is taking place.

This goes without saying, but it is important for caregivers to feel that the therapist is focused at all times.

3) Do not compare the children in your charge.

The so-and-so you were in charge of was like this, so-and-so... Don't make comparisons! The same applies even if it is said to praise the child and family.

There should be a sense that the therapist is not "ranking" or "comparing" sessions based on how easy or difficult they are.

Even when children have difficult moments during treatment, they learn that the therapist does not make comparisons and is completely focused on their child's growth.

4) Do not meet in person outside of the session.

This is a “dual relationship” that is also prohibited in the BACB Ethics Code.

While maintaining a therapeutic relationship with guardians, parents cannot be met separately outside of sessions. Of course, you should not look after the child separately or make time for it.

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Of course, most therapists already know these ethical guidelines and follow them well.

In my case, if I've been with the same family for a long time... over 7 years, I think I've had a chance to talk about personal things...

When I first received instructions from the US, I felt a little uncomfortable.

If you have worked for a long time and are accustomed to your job, try to remember the basics again.

I think it would be a good idea to think about the Ethics Code once again, something you may have forgotten :)