Thoughts on Thinking! Developing the Art of Reflection as a BCBA

We spend so much time talking about evidence-based interventions, reinforcement strategies, and treatment plans that we often overlook the activity that synthesizes it all: thinking.

As BCBAs and knowledge workers, our value lies in our ability to analyze, problem-solve, and generate solutions. Yet, despite its importance, thinking is one of the most neglected activities in our profession. We are paid for what we know, but more importantly, we are paid to apply that knowledge—to think our way through complex challenges. However, if you were to look at a typical BCBA’s week, you’d likely find that very little time is actually dedicated to focused, intentional thinking.

The demands of our jobs make it easy to get caught in a cycle of constant action. We move from consultation to parent training to data review, to questions from our RBTs, to responding to behavioral support in real time. But deep, reflective thinking requires something we rarely allow ourselves: stillness. And without that stillness, we risk becoming reactive instead of strategic. When was the last time you sat down, free from distractions, and just thought about a single problem for an extended period? Not while driving, not between sessions, but truly dedicating uninterrupted time to thinking through an issue?

Every BCBA has had moments where they are physically present with one client while mentally wrestling with a challenge related to another. A kiddo’s progress has stalled, a behavior has suddenly spiked, a family isn’t buying in, or a staff member is disengaged. These problems don’t solve themselves in the middle of a rushed session or a chaotic clinic day. They require intentional effort—space to process, evaluate, and strategize. And that space doesn’t just appear; it must be created.

So here’s a challenge: schedule thinking time. Set aside one or two hours each week—more if you can manage it—to sit quietly with a problem. Find a spot where you won’t be interrupted. Maybe it’s at home, a quiet coffee shop, maybe it’s a closet or some other tucked-away space in your clinic. Grab a pen and paper, and let your brain work through the issue without the distractions of screens, emails, or notifications. Write down every idea that comes to mind.

Dump it all onto paper.

Grab a highlighter.

Then go back, highlight the solutions that stand out, and refine your next steps.

This practice isn’t just about troubleshooting immediate concerns—it’s about making thinking an integral part of your workflow. When you schedule time to process, you don’t have to solve everything at once. You know that time is coming—the time where you step away to gently analyze whatever clinical issues you’re dealing with that— which means you can focus fully on the present moment without carrying mental clutter into every session. It also prevents you from making rushed decisions simply because you haven’t given yourself the time to think through alternatives.

Thinking is the foundation of everything we do. If we fail to prioritize it, we end up reacting instead of leading. The best interventions, the most effective strategies, and the strongest clinical decisions come from moments of clarity, not chaos. So, block off the time. Make it sacred. Use it to process the tough cases, the challenging staff dynamics, the questions without obvious answers. Your work—and your clients—will be better for it.

You might ask, where on earth can I find that time? Great question. Pull your supervisor into this conversation. Help them problem solve with you. Is there a small part of your week where you can pull this exercise off? Is there a part of the center where you can find this quiet? Do you and your other BCBA colleagues have the resources to make this happen?

Give it a shot this week. Pick one problem, carve out the time, and let yourself think. You might be surprised at what your brain comes up with when you finally give it the space to do what it does best.

Martin Myers is a BCBA with a passion for helping improve the field of ABA. He is the creator of BxMastery, with over 4,000 goal ideas, sequenced, to inspire your programming. With 10+ years of experience in the field, he’s dedicated to empowering others and fostering positive change through effective leadership and communication. Connect with Martin on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for more insights and updates.