An open letter to my former supervisors
To my former supervisors,
As I sit down to reflect on my journey in the field of behavior analysis, I find myself revisiting the many lessons I’ve learned—some from our time together and many more from my experiences since. Our shared time was pivotal, laying the foundation for my clinical career. However, I’ve often wondered how different things might have been if my supervision experience had been less about ticking task list boxes or a survival mode weekly review of my caseload, and more about cultivating my unique style as a clinician.
I’ve grown to appreciate the incredible complexity of being a BCBA. It isn’t just about mastering assessments, intervention plans, and data analysis. It’s about connecting—with clients, families, and colleagues—and about understanding the humans behind the behaviors we seek to support.
When I began this journey, I wasn’t sure what to expect form a supervisor. Our sessions often centered around reviewing client cases and ensuring I was meeting task-list requirements. While I’m grateful for those building blocks, they sometimes felt like they lacked a greater sense of purpose. In hindsight, what I really needed was a mentor who would push me to think critically about how to merge evidence-based practices with affirming, individualized care. I needed someone to help me explore how my values could shape my clinical approach—to encourage me to question, to innovate, and to lean into the discomfort of not always having a clear answer.
In the years since, I’ve had to learn that on my own. Stepping into the role of a clinician, I was unprepared for how deeply systemic ableism permeates traditional models of behavior analysis. The industry often prioritizes compliance over connection, uniformity over uniqueness, and outcomes over empowerment. For me, something always felt amiss. It took time—and a lot of self-directed learning—to realize that I wanted to practice differently.
The concept of being neuro-affirming was something I stumbled upon while reading articles and attending workshops far outside the scope of my formal supervision. I began to see how crucial it was to approach clients not as a set of behaviors to be changed but as individuals with valid ways of thinking, communicating, and experiencing the world. It changed everything—the language I use, the goals I prioritize, and the way I measure success. I’ve become a better clinician because I learned to see beyond the checklist. But I often wonder: What if this had been part of my supervision from the start? How much farther could I have come with the right guidance, and how much better would the experience been for the people I have worked to support?
Supervision is such a formative experience. It’s a time when future clinicians are building not just their skills but their professional identities. Looking back, I wish we’d spent more time talking about my personal goals, my values, and how I envisioned my future as a behavior analyst. I wish I’d been encouraged to explore different approaches, to consider the broader context of my work, and to find ways to balance clinical rigor with compassion. I think it would have helped me develop confidence in my ability to lead and innovate rather than feeling like I was simply following a well-worn path.
That said, I don’t write this letter with bitterness or regret. I know you were doing your best within a system that often emphasizes productivity over mentorship. And I’m deeply grateful for the foundations you provided. If anything, my reflections have made me more determined to approach my own supervisees differently. I want to create an environment where they feel safe to question, to explore, and to find their own way—an environment where personal and professional growth are equally valued.
To anyone who reads this and sees a reflection of their own experience: know that it’s never too late to become the clinician you aspire to be. Take time to invest in yourself and your vision. Seek out mentors and resources that align with your values, even if they’re outside the traditional avenues. And if you’re a supervisor, remember that your influence extends far beyond the BCBA task list or skills checklist. You have the power to shape not just competent practitioners but compassionate, innovative leaders.
Thank you, to all my former supervisors, for the part you played in my journey. It’s because of—and sometimes despite—those early experiences that I’ve been able to find my own path. And for that, I’ll always be grateful.
