Applied Behavior Analysis
Conditions We Treat
The Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Program at The Anxiety Center, directed by Nathan Fite, PhD, brings together highly experienced behavior analysts, psychologists, therapists, and interns specializing in ABA for the treatment of a wide range of behavioral and psychiatric issues. ABA, as a science of behavior, has been shown to be a highly effective form of treatment for a broad spectrum of conditions and concerns. The Anxiety Center is dedicated to providing state-of-the-art treatment to patients in the ABA Program.
The ABA Program at The Anxiety Center offers clinical treatments and education for a variety of behavioral and psychiatric disorders, including:
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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
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ADHD
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Anxiety Disorders
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Depression
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Insomnia
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
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Pain Management
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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Schizophrenia
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Substance Use Disorders
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Behavioral Challenges
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Developmental Disorders
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The Anxiety Center is committed to advancing the field of ABA through clinical excellence, research, and education, ensuring that both professionals and the public are well-informed about the principles and practices of ABA.
Our Approach
​Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) at The Anxiety Center is a structured, evidence-based approach that addresses a variety of behavioral and psychiatric issues. This therapy is designed to help patients understand the connection between their behaviors and the environmental factors influencing them. A critical aspect of ABA is functional assessment, which involves developing a detailed understanding of the patient's problems and the factors contributing to them. This personalized framework guides the selection and application of specific behavioral strategies to achieve the best outcomes.
Operant Conditioning Strategies
Operant conditioning in ABA focuses on modifying behavior through reinforcement and punishment. Specific techniques include:
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Positive Reinforcement: Patients receive rewards for engaging in desired behaviors, increasing the likelihood of these behaviors recurring.
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Negative Reinforcement: Unpleasant stimuli are removed following desired behaviors, encouraging these behaviors.
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Decatastrophizing: Patients are guided to evaluate the validity of their worst-case scenario thinking and develop more realistic perspectives.
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Differential Reinforcement: Patients are reinforced for engaging in alternative, more appropriate behaviors while reducing reinforcement for maladaptive behaviors.
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Extinction: Unwanted behaviors are reduced by consistently withholding reinforcement.
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Shaping: Patients learn complex behaviors through successive approximations, reinforcing each step towards the desired behavior.
​Relational Frame Theory (RFT) Strategies
Relational Frame Theory in ABA addresses how humans understand and derive meaning from the relationships between concepts. Key techniques include:
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Relational Training: Patients learn to recognize and respond to relationships between stimuli, such as sameness, difference, and opposition.
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Derived Relational Responding: Patients are trained to make connections between different concepts without direct reinforcement for each specific relation.
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Transformation of Stimulus Functions: Patients learn that the meaning or function of a stimulus can change based on its relation to other stimuli.
Behavioral Interventions
Derived from learning theory, behavioral interventions aim to change maladaptive behaviors and reduce the association between concerns and maladaptive responses. Key techniques include:
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Exposure Therapy: Patients gradually confront avoided situations, such as using a public bathroom for contamination fears or approaching a dog for those with cynophobia. This is done at a pace comfortable for the patient, progressing from less to more anxiety-provoking situations.
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Ritual Prevention: Patients reduce and manage ritualistic behaviors, like compulsive hand-washing or constant self-comparison, to lessen anxiety and discomfort.
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Assertiveness Training: Patients practice recognizing and asserting their needs and views respectfully. This often involves role-plays to improve communication skills and enhance relationships and career opportunities.
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Activity Scheduling/Behavioral Activation: Patients build constructive routines by scheduling enjoyable and achievement-oriented activities. Increased activity and success can positively influence behavior and motivation.
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Motivational Strategies: Patients enhance their commitment to ABA through strategies that increase and sustain motivation.
Social Skills Development (Modeling)
Social skills training in ABA helps patients develop effective interpersonal skills and improve their interactions with others. Techniques include:
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Role-Playing: Patients practice social scenarios to improve communication and social interactions.
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Modeling: Therapists demonstrate appropriate social behaviors for patients to imitate.
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Feedback and Reinforcement: Patients receive constructive feedback and positive reinforcement to encourage the use of effective social skills.
Executive Functioning Training
Executive functioning training in ABA focuses on improving cognitive processes such as planning, organization, and impulse control. Techniques include:
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Task Analysis: Breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps to improve planning and execution.
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Self-Monitoring: Patients learn to track their own behaviors and make adjustments to stay on task.
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Time Management: Strategies to help patients effectively manage their time and meet deadlines.
Additional Techniques
ABA at The Anxiety Center also incorporates:
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Mindfulness: Patients practice staying present and accepting their thoughts and feelings without judgment to reduce stress and improve emotional regulation.
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Relaxation Training: Techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization are taught to reduce physical symptoms of anxiety and stress.
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Behavioral Activation: Patients engage in activities that align with their values to increase positive emotions and motivation.
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​At The Anxiety Center, our ABA Program integrates these advanced strategies to provide comprehensive and effective treatment for a wide range of psychiatric disorders and health concerns.
What to Expect at TAC
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) at The Anxiety Center is a highly structured, goal-oriented process that requires active participation from both the therapist and the patient. We emphasize that ABA is an active form of therapy—so much so that we tell our patients it’s not good therapy if you don’t break a sweat. Expect to be challenged and to be heard. Expect encouragement, but also expect to be provoked. Our goal is to instigate growth in each of our patients and maximize the benefits of treatment to help them achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.
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The Collaborative Relationship
A successful ABA experience hinges on a collaborative relationship between the patient and therapist. This partnership involves:
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Understanding the Patient’s Issues: Both the therapist and the patient actively work to understand the patient’s specific problems and symptoms.
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Setting Goals: Together, they identify the objectives to be achieved through treatment.
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Working Towards Goals: The therapist and patient jointly develop strategies and interventions to reach these goals.
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Assessment and Individualized Treatment Plan
​Your ABA journey will begin with a detailed assessment of your problems and symptoms. Based on this assessment, your therapist will work with you to determine your treatment goals. This collaborative process leads to the development of a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
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Structured Sessions
Each ABA session is structured with a specific agenda, incorporating various techniques and concepts. This structured approach ensures that each session is focused and productive.
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Motivation and Commitment
Significant improvement in ABA requires a high level of motivation and commitment from both the therapist and the patient. Key aspects include:
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Active Participation: Patients are expected to engage actively in sessions and in the therapeutic process.
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Feedback: Providing feedback—both positive and negative—during therapy sessions is crucial. This feedback helps the therapist adjust the pace, style, and content of future sessions to better meet your needs.
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Homework Assignments
​Patients are given homework assignments to complete outside of therapy sessions. These tasks are designed to reinforce the skills learned during sessions and to promote the application of these skills in real-life situations.
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Expect to Work Hard
​While ABA demands a great deal of work and energy, the potential outcomes are extraordinary. By fully engaging in the process, you can achieve significant improvements in your symptoms and overall quality of life. At The Anxiety Center, we are dedicated to instigating growth and maximizing the benefits of ABA to help our patients achieve their goals and lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Contact us
By providing your phone number, you agree to allow The Anxiety Center and its authorized personnel to use your contact information for the purposes of communication regarding your healthcare, appointment reminders, and any other relevant information pertaining to your treatment and care. Your phone number will not be shared with third parties without your explicit consent, except as required by law or in cases where it is necessary for your treatment and healthcare coordination.