What is Family Guidance?
Family guidance (also known as parent training) is an essential part of ABA therapy, designed to support parents and caregivers in understanding and implementing effective strategies that help their child succeed beyond the clinic setting. Our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) work directly with families to provide education, coaching, and practical tools tailored to their child's unique treatment goals. Through ongoing collaboration, we empower families to build confidence, consistency, and connection in their daily routines.
How does Family Guidance Work?
In ABA therapy, family guidance involves working with the parents and caregivers to teach the principles and techniques of behavior analysis that support their child's growth. These sessions help families understand why behaviors occur, how to respond effectively, and how to encourage positive skills such as communication, independence, and social interaction. Family guidance ensures that what children learn in therapy extends naturally into the home, school, and community environments.
During family guidance sessions, the BCBA meets with parents or caregivers - either in person or virtually - to review progress, discuss goals, and model evidence-based strategies. Each session is individualized, focusing on the areas where the family needs the most support to promote consistency and meaningful change across settings.
Benefits of Family Guidance at Turning Point
Family Guidance is an essential part of ABA therapy that helps parents and caregivers learn the same strategies used in the clinic, creating consistency and faster progress for the child. Here are some key benefits:
- Consistency across settings: When families use ABA techniques at home and in the community, children learn to apply their new skills everywhere - not just during therapy. This is called generalization.
- Improved understanding of behavior: Parents learn why certain behaviors happen and how to respond effectively, reducing frustration and improving daily routines.
- Stronger family relationships: Teaching positive communication and coping strategies help to create calmer, more enjoyable interactions between the child and family members.
- Empowerment for parents: Family guidance gives caregivers the tools and confidence to manage challenges, celebrate successes, and support their child's development long-term.
- Better outcomes for the child: Research shows that children progress more quickly when parents are actively involved in their ABA program.
Overall, family guidance turns therapy into a team effort, ensuring every member of the family feels supported and equipped to help their child thrive. Family guidance at Turning Point can look like:
- Check-ins with their child's lead analyst/BCBA
- Meetings in the home with a BCBA
- Meetings in the clinic with a BCBA
- Telehealth with a BCBA
- Community outings to practice skills with the support of a BCBA
- A group style with other parents learning about ABA
Why Choose Turning Point for Family Guidance?
Turning Point has two full times BCBAs who specialize solely in family guidance. Our clinic is dedicated to partnering with families every step of the way. We believe that parents and caregivers are the most important members of the child's treatment team. Our BCBAs provide compassionate, easy-to-understand coaching that fits each family's lifestyle and values. We emphasize collaboration, open communication, and realistic, actionable strategies that make a lasting difference. Families choose family guidance services with Turning Point because we go beyond therapy - we empower them with the knowledge and tools to continue growth at home and in daily life.
