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What does it truly mean to be trauma-informed in the world of ABA? In this powerful and insightful episode of My BCBA Life, Penina sits down with Tricia Lund—Board Certified Behavior Analyst and certified trauma professional—to explore how trauma-informed practices can transform how we support clients. If you've ever wondered how to navigate trauma responses with sensitivity and skill, this episode is a must-listen.

Discussion Points:

• Tricia’s journey to becoming a trauma-informed BCBA
• How trauma affects regulation, behavior, and learning
• Practical tools and strategies for trauma-informed ABA
• The role of psychoeducation for parents and caregivers
• Case examples and clinical insights
• Understanding and integrating somatic experiencing
• Why humility and curiosity are essential in trauma-informed work

Summary of the Conversation:

In this enlightening episode, Penina and Tricia Lund unpack the essentials of trauma-informed ABA. Tricia shares her path to specializing in trauma and provides a grounded overview of how trauma shows up in behavioral presentations. The conversation explores how ABA practitioners can use psychoeducation, trust-building, and somatic awareness to more effectively support their clients. Through real-life examples and practical advice, Tricia illustrates how trauma-informed strategies aren't just theoretical—they’re essential for ethical and compassionate care. The episode closes with a call to BCBAs to stay open, humble, and committed to growth.

About the Guest:

Tricia Lund is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and certified trauma professional. She brings a holistic and deeply informed lens to ABA, drawing from her extensive training in trauma and somatic practices. Tricia’s work focuses on building respectful, empathetic relationships with clients and empowering ABA professionals to bring trauma-informed principles into everyday practice.

Key Takeaways:

• Trauma-informed ABA requires more than awareness—it demands intentional action.
• Building safety and rapport is foundational to behavior change.
• Psychoeducation helps shift parental perspectives and fosters collaboration.
• Somatic experiencing can help clients reconnect with their bodies and regulate their nervous systems.
• Staying within scope while integrating trauma-informed tools is both ethical and empowering.

Time Stamps:

00:00 - Journey into Trauma-Informed Therapy

06:44 – Understanding Trauma Responses

10:18 – Practical Applications of Trauma-Informed ABA

18:31 – The Importance of Psychoeducation

21:25 – Reframing Parental Perspectives

21:46 – Psychoeducation Timing

22:06 – Handling Trauma Responses

24:28 – Somatic Experiencing Explained

25:41 – Focusing on Sensations

29:41 – Client Case Studies

34:10 – Staying Within Scope of Practice

Ready to deepen your understanding of trauma-informed ABA and support your clients with greater empathy and effectiveness?

Tune in to the full episode for practical strategies and real-world insights.