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The Behavioral Observations Podcast with Matt Cicoria

The Behavioral Observations Podcast with Matt Cicoria

By: Matt Cicoria
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 This is a podcast about the field of Behavior Analysis. Each episode will feature an interview with a Behavior Analyst where we discuss a specific topic in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. Some of these topics include functional behavioral assessment, treating severe behavioral disorders such as aggression and self-injurious behavior, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), behavioral ethics, autism treatment, parenting, and the history of Applied Behavior Analysis. Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Dissociative Identity Disorder through a Behavior Analytic Lens: Session 307 with Brady Phelps

    Dissociative Identity Disorder through a Behavior Analytic Lens: Session 307 with Brady Phelps
    Jul 26 2025
    In this episode of the Behavioral Observations Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Brady Phelps, about a topic that has perplexed, and perhaps captivated both mainstream Psychology as well as pop culture: Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Our wide-ranging conversation explored the intersection of behavior analysis, mental health, and trauma, with a special focus on how we can understand DID through a scientific, behavioral lens. Brady’s Career Journey Brady shared how he discovered behavior analysis almost by accident as an undergrad at Utah State University, under the mentorship of Carl Cheney. After a long academic career, Brady retired in 2021 but remains actively involved in the field. He’s currently developing an Experimental Analysis of Behavior (EAB) toolkit with Dr. Steve Eversole at Behavior Development Solutions, and he's also writing a textbook on learning and behavior designed to be accessible to 20-year-olds. Understanding Dissociative Identity Disorder Behaviorally We dove deep into Brady's research on DID, originally published in 2000. His goal was to approach DID from a behavior-analytic perspective, not through traditional psychoanalytic theory. As we discussed, DID has evolved from being characterized by dramatic behavioral shifts to more subtle, self-reported identity disruptions. Brady argued that the identities themselves are better understood as reified constructs—products of distorted tacting that contacts reinforcement—rather than discrete psychological entities. Trauma, Dissociation, and Behavioral Function Brady emphasized the importance of not dismissing trauma reports, while also cautioning against assuming trauma automatically leads to DID. We talked about avoidance behaviors, escape contingencies, and how dissociation might function as a response to overwhelming experiences. He brought up examples like Cotard’s Syndrome to show how distorted tacting can manifest in extreme ways. Rethinking Diagnostic Criteria for DID We discussed research into amnesiac barriers, such as the Concealed Information Test, which shows people might learn something even if they claim not to remember it. These findings, Brady suggested, should prompt a re-evaluation of how DID is diagnosed, particularly the differences between the Post-Trauma Model and the Social-Cognitive Model—the latter of which emphasizes social reinforcement and therapist influence in shaping alternate identities. Therapy Techniques and Reinforcement Contingencies Brady detailed how some therapists use techniques like “roll calls” or even suggesting names to clients in session. While these methods may sound extreme, they reflect how therapist behavior can inadvertently reinforce identity fragmentation. We also discussed Robert Kohlenberg’s 1973 study on behavioral repertoires, which demonstrated how social reinforcement shaped client behavior across different identity presentations. The Sybil Case and Media Influence We revisited the infamous Sybil case, which helped popularize DID in the 20th century. Despite being exposed as fraudulent, Sybil’s story continues to shape public and clinical views of the disorder. We also talked about more recent media portrayals—from TikTok to a 2023 Scientific American article—and how social media can reinforce the performance of alternate identities, especially among vulnerable populations. Behavior Analysis in Mental Health Brady and I wrapped up with a discussion on how behavior analysts can contribute to mental health conversations. He encouraged new BCBAs to collaborate with non-behavioral colleagues while staying rooted in behavioral principles. Above all, he emphasized balancing empathy with scientific rigor—understanding people without falling into speculative mentalism. Show Notes and Resources Brady (2025). Dissociative Identity Disorder: An Analysis of the Behaviors and ContingenciesBrady (2000). Dissociative Identity Disorder: The Relevance of Behavior AnalysisKohlenberg (1973). Behavioristic approach to multiple personality: A case study Wakatama (2024). Court allows witness with dissociative identity disorder to give evidence in multiple personalitiesExplore the EAB Toolkit at Behavior Development Solutions Lester (2023). A New Therapy for Multiple Personality Disorder Helps a Woman with 12 SelvesWho was Sybil? The true story behind her multiple personalities 📢 Sponsor shoutouts: Frontera. Consider taking a demo of Frontera's Assessment Builder and see how the ethical application of AI technologies can help you serve clients and save you time! Your first assessment report is free. And if you use code BOP25 you’ll get an additional five assessments for just $100. So head to fronterahealth.com to check it out!CEUs from Behavioral Observations. Learn from your favorite podcast guests while you're commuting, walking the dog, or whatever else you do while listening to podcasts....
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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • How to Train Staff and Improve Outcomes in Adult Autism Services: Session 306 with Dr. John Guercio

    How to Train Staff and Improve Outcomes in Adult Autism Services: Session 306 with Dr. John Guercio
    Jul 18 2025
    Dr. John Guercio returns to the Behavioral Observations Podcast for his third appearance, bringing his extensive experience and fresh insights into the world of adult services in behavior analysis. In this episode, John and Matt discuss the vital, yet often overlooked, field of supporting adults with autism and other developmental disabilities—particularly those with severe behavioral challenges. They explore: John’s new leadership role at The Arc of the OzarksThe Applied Behavior Analysis CenterThe development of a new adult-specific RBT training programHis latest book on staff training in adult service settingsKey findings from his recent research on enhancing data collection in residential facilitiesThe systemic and practical challenges of working in group homes and ISLs Throughout the conversation, Dr. Guercio emphasizes the importance of dignity, choice, and inclusion, and provides practical strategies for training and retaining staff who work in high-demand settings. 🧠 About the Guest: Dr. John Guercio is the Vice President of Crisis Services and ABA Services at The Arc of the Ozarks. He has over three decades of experience in adult services and is a published researcher, trainer, and advocate for ethical and effective behavioral interventions for adults. Dr. Guercio is also the author of the Staff Training Manual: Staff Training Strategies for Adult Service Settings, and co-creator of a new 40-hour RBT training program specific to adult services. 📚 Resources & Links: John's Behavioral Relaxation Training episode (CEU available!)The paper we discussed: Guercio, et al. (2025): Blending Staff Preference Assessments and Contingent Reinforcement to Enhance Data Collection in a Residential Facility for Adults with Severe Aggressive BehaviorReid and Parsons (2006): Motivating Human Service StaffOpen Future Learning Facebook pageThe Performance Diagnostic ChecklistDaniels and Bailey (2016). Performance Management 17 Therapeutic Communication SkillsDr. Karyn Harvey, Trauma-Informed Supports for People with IDDDr. Paulie Gavoni: Positional Authority Ain't LeadershipDr. John Austin on Results (Supervision CEU available)Dr. Amy Edmonson: The Fearless OrganizationReid (1992). The need to train more behavior analysts to be better applied researchers 📢 Sponsor shoutouts: Frontera. Consider taking a demo of Frontera's Assessment Builder and see how the ethical application of AI technologies can help you serve clients and save you time! Your first assessment report is free. And if you use code BOP25 you’ll get an additional five assessments for just $100. So head to fronterahealth.com to check it out!CEUs from Behavioral Observations. Learn from your favorite podcast guests while you're commuting, walking the dog, or whatever else you do while listening to podcasts. New events are being added all the time, so check them out here. HRIC Recruting. Cut out the middleman and speak directly with Barbara Voss, who's been placing BCBAs in great jobs all across the US for 15 years.Behavior University. Their mission is to provide university quality professional development for the busy Behavior Analyst. Learn about their CEU offerings, including their 8-hour Supervision Course, as well as their RBT offerings over at behavioruniversity.com/observations. Don't forget to use the coupon code, PODCAST to save at checkout!The inaugural ABA CON CEU cruise, which launches on Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas from February 16–20, 2026. Learn more about this cruise here
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    1 hr and 23 mins
  • Naming Bidireccional: BOP en Español 15 con el Dr. José Alberto Monseco Gómez

    Naming Bidireccional: BOP en Español 15 con el Dr. José Alberto Monseco Gómez
    Jul 15 2025

    En este episodio, conversamos con el Dr. José Alberto Monseco Gómez —analista de conducta, BCBA® e IBA®— sobre un proceso fascinante, aunque poco comprendido aún por muchos analistas de conducta, en la adquisición del lenguaje: el naming bidireccional.

    A través de una charla accesible y llena de ejemplos, exploramos qué es el naming, cómo se relaciona con conceptos fundamentales del análisis de conducta, y por qué su presencia (o ausencia) puede marcar una diferencia sustancial en el desarrollo de lenguaje complejo. Hablamos de su relevancia tanto en contextos naturales como escolares, su papel como cúspide conductual, y los procedimientos que han demostrado inducir esta habilidad cuando no está presente.

    José también comparte hallazgos de su propia investigación y experiencia, reflexiones personales como padre y profesional, y consejos valiosos para analistas de conducta que trabajan con población con dificultades en el desarrollo del lenguaje.

    Bidirectional Naming with Dr. José Alberto Monseco Gómez


    In this episode, we talk with Dr. José Alberto Monseco Gómez —Behavior Analyst, BCBA®, and IBA®— about a fascinating yet still under-appreciated process in language acquisition among many behavior analysts: bidirectional naming. Through an accessible and example-rich conversation, we explore what naming is, how it connects to foundational concepts in behavior analysis, and why its presence (or absence) can make a significant difference in the development of complex language. We discuss its relevance in both natural and educational settings, its role as a behavioral cusp, and the procedures shown to induce this skill when it is missing.José also shares insights from his own research and clinical experience, personal reflections as a parent and professional, and valuable advice for behavior analysts working with individuals facing challenges in language development.
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    57 mins
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