Episode 257: A Compassionate Approach to Exposure Therapy with Danielle Cohen

About this episode

Ben Reiman interviews Danielle Cohen about Constructional Exposure Therapy, emphasizing a compassionate approach to behavior analysis.

In this episode, Ben sits down with Danielle Cohen to explore Constructional Exposure Therapy (CET)—an emerging, compassionate approach grounded in the constructional framework of behaviour analysis. Rather than focusing on eliminating fear or escape behaviour, CET identifies the behaviour the person needs to access meaningful outcomes—and systematically teaches it in a way that maintains choice, assent, and low distress throughout. Danielle shares how this approach: - Reframes reinforcement through the lens of critical consequences - Uses shaping with negative reinforcement in a practical, ethical way - Prioritizes multiple pathways to success (and genuine assent) - Allows learners to opt out—without stopping progress Through powerful case examples—including supporting a learner through a blood draw and teaching independent nail clipping in under an hour—this episode highlights what’s possible when we truly align effectiveness with compassion. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jjk7LrWWM1Y This episode is presented by our founding academic partner, the Doctor of Education in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis program at Western University’s Faculty of Education. Program…

People in this episode

Host: Ben Reiman

Guest: Danielle Cohen

Topics covered

• Exposure Therapy
• Compassionate Approach
• Behaviour Analysis
• Constructional Exposure Therapy
• Reinforcement
• Ethical Practices
• Learner Autonomy

Keywords

• Constructional Exposure Therapy
• CET
• compassionate approach
• behaviour analysis
• fear elimination
• shaping
• negative reinforcement
• learner autonomy
• case examples
• ethical practices

Sponsors

Western University

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Western University, Doctor of Education in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis program, CBI Consultants

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