In this episode of Coaching for Change, we explore the Constructional Approach, a powerful framework developed by Dr. Israel Goldiamond (1974, 2002) that shifts the focus from eliminating problems to building meaningful skills and behaviors. Instead of asking, “How do I stop this?”, we ask:

• Where do you want to go?
• Where are you right now? 
• How will you get there?
• How will your goals be maintained?

Additional Questions by Coach Bella:

• What are the barriers?
• Why is this important to you?

We’ll discuss practical applications of this approach in:

• Autism support – Shifting from behavior reduction to skill-building (LaMarca, 2023).
• Mental health – Replacing avoidance with coping and growth (Hayes, Strosahl, & Wilson, 2012).
• Personal development – Overcoming self-doubt through action (Dweck, 2006; Duckworth, 2016).
• Leadership – Creating strong teams and lasting organizational change (Goleman, Boyatzis, & McKee, 2013).

This episode will challenge how you think about behavior change, personal growth, and coaching. If you’re ready to stop fixing and start constructing, this conversation is for you!

Listen now and start building real, lasting change!

References:

•Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.

•Duckworth, A. (2016). Grit: The power of passion and perseverance. Scribner.

•Goldiamond, I. (2002). Toward a constructional approach to social problems: Ethical and constitutional issues raised by Applied Behavior Analysis. Behavior and Social Issues, 11(2), 108–197. https://doi.org/10.5210/bsi.v11i2.92 

•Goleman, D., Boyatzis, R., & McKee, A. (2001). Primal leadership: The hidden driver of great performance. Harvard business review, 79(11), 42-53.

•Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K. D., & Wilson, K. G. (2012). Acceptance and commitment therapy: The process and practice of mindful change. Guilford Press.

Thanks for joining Resilience Coaching Collective!

We explore neurodiversity-affirming, evidence-based strategies inspired by Israel Goldiamond’s constructional approach (expanded by T.V. Joe Layng and rooted in B.F. Skinner’s science) that build strengths and repertoires rather than simply eliminate problem behaviors.

This episode is part of our ongoing inclusion initiative, Spectrum Speaks, a Behavioral Teaching Solutions project dedicated to amplifying neurodivergent voices and creating safe spaces for growth.

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe to our weekly conversations that turn challenges into lasting capabilities.

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