We're so excited to bring this conversation to life with fellow BCBAs! It's something we've talked about since the beginning of our friendship and something we're now finding many of you struggle with as well. We think it's important to discuss what we mean when we talk about being a "Balanced BCBA," because it means a couple of things to us. I'm sure it means something different to everyone. For us, a Balanced BCBA is three-fold:
1. A Balanced BCBA makes a conscious effort to balance their work life with life outside of the field. This means making time for family, friends, and hobbies (yes, we've checked, and drinking wine counts as a hobby!). It means recognizing that our field is wonderful and fulfilling, but should not be all-consuming.
2. A Balanced BCBA finds balance within the field as well. In the most common practice of ABA, being a Balanced BCBA refers to recognizing the value that other disciplines, such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and teachers, bring to the table. It means avoiding the tunnel-vision of ABA and being open to other opinions.
3. And finally, what we see as the hardest part of being a Balanced BCBA is finding balance within ourselves. We strive to find this through self-awareness, letting go of ego, and focusing on self-care.
We would love to hear from you! What do you think it means to be a balanced BCBA and why is it important? What do you do on a daily, weekly, monthly basis to pursue balance? Join the conversation by commenting below!
-Becca and Kate
