Connection. Regulation. Growth.
The Connection First Collective exists to ensure behavior analysts build meaningful therapeutic relationships that drive naturalistic teaching through simple, effective NDBIs.
From discrete trial teaching to naturalistic, child-led therapy
Too many children sit across from a therapist running programs. We believe they deserve a clinician who gets on the floor, follows their lead, and makes learning feel like play. That is what naturalistic, developmentally appropriate ABA looks like — and that is what we teach.
Naturalistic teaching is not a technique. It is a mindset. It means meeting children where they are, honoring their developmental stage, following their lead, and embedding learning into the moments that matter most. The Connection First Collective was built to equip behavior analysts with exactly that — the skills, the science, and the confidence to practice ABA the way it was always meant to feel.
Co-regulation and genuine relationship come first. When a child feels safe and connected, learning happens naturally and durably.
Follow the child's motivation. Embed ABA principles into natural play and routines using the power of NDBIs to accelerate meaningful outcomes.
Co-regulation is not a prerequisite to therapy. It is the therapy. We help clinicians understand the science of regulation and how to meet each child there.
Grounded in current research and contemporary ABA, the framework bridges science and humanity, giving clinicians tools that are both ethical and effective.
No months of coursework. The flagship workshop takes BCBAs from rigid, discrete trial teaching to naturalistic, confident practice in under 8 hours.
You will leave not just with new techniques, but with a renewed sense of who you are as a clinician and the impact you can have on every family you serve.
The Connection First Collective is designed for the early intervention professionals who feel the pull toward something more. You already know ABA, but you want to practice it in a way that truly honors children and families.
You believe the earliest years matter most and want your therapy to reflect that belief in every session.
You want the skills and confidence to teach through play, routine, and natural environment in a way that is rigorous and joyful.
Clinical leaders ready to build a culture of naturalistic, connection-driven practice across their entire organization.
You can picture the kind of therapist you want to be known as. This is the place to close that gap.
From intensive full-day workshops to ongoing CEUs and PDUs, the Collective meets you wherever you are in your clinical journey, in person or virtually.
Transform your clinical approach in a single day. Move from robotic, discrete trial methods to confident, playful, naturalistic teaching grounded in NDBIs.
Earn CEUs and PDUs while deepening your knowledge of child-led approaches, co-regulation strategies, and naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions.
Bring the Connection First framework to your entire clinical team. Tailored workshops and training intensives designed for agencies and clinical directors ready to lead culture change.
Join a community of early intervention professionals committed to naturalistic, child-centered ABA. Access resources, peer support, and continued learning between formal trainings.
I came in thinking I already knew how to do naturalistic teaching. What I left with was a completely different understanding of what it means to be present with a child. This changed everything about how I show up in sessions.
The Connection First Collective is built for behavior analysts who believe great therapy starts with genuine relationship. Join us and bring that vision to life in your practice.
Explore What's AvailableWorkshops available in person and virtually