In this episode of Everyday ABA, hosts Paola, Leslie and Brittanny, engage in a deep conversation with Debbie Simmons, the CEO of Anchor Point. They explore Debbie’s innovative BEST strategy (Breathe, Evaluate, Step back, and Take Action). This method is designed to help individuals navigate challenging situations, particularly in the context of trauma-informed care and parenting. Debbie shares how the BEST strategy empowers individuals and families to thrive. The discussion emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, emotional regulation, and community support in fostering resilience and personal growth. Whether you’re a busy parent, a professional facing burnout, or an ABA provider looking for tools to recommend, this conversation offers practical stress management techniques, evidence-based mental health tools, and trauma-sensitive approaches you can start using today.

By the end of this episode, listeners will be able to:

Define and describe the components of the B.E.S.T. strategy and explain how each step aligns with evidence-based behavioral principles.
Identify the role of antecedent strategies in shifting responding from reactive to more regulated, goal-directed behavior.
Apply behavior analytic concepts such as shaping and successive approximations to teaching clients and caregivers to adopt new coping skills.
Discuss the long-term outcomes of consistent self-regulation practices and how these outcomes focus on socially significant behavior change.

References:

Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2020). Applied behavior analysis (3rd ed.). Pearson.

Peterson, G. B. (2004). A day of great illumination: B. F. Skinner’s discovery of shaping. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 82(3), 317–328.

Smith, T. E., Smith, B. W., & Taylor, C. L. (2022). Self-management interventions for reducing challenging behavior: A systematic review. Behavioral Interventions, 37(4), 593–610.
👤 Guest Expert:

Debbie Simmons founded Anchor Point — a faith-based nonprofit that supports women, families, and leaders through life’s toughest seasons. Through her coaching and speaking, Debbie helps people build legacies that outlast them by turning adversity into impact. She’s living proof that when you lead from the heart, even loss can fuel hope.

Two code words are required, then you will be redirected to complete CEU information after payment.