The Holistic Behavior Collective

10/29/2024

10/11/2024

Creative hopelessness occurs often when we are working on becoming a healthier person. How we define health, and what is driving our health behavior- matters.

Creative hopelessness is identifying that what you are doing is no longer sustainable. It's not moving you towards your goals- it's not working.

And in that space, we can either sought out a reason for punishment and sit in our defeat- or we can acknowledge it and lean in- identifying the skills and actions we can encourage to lead us towards our health.

Swipe to see common examples, and know that if you are in this space-
Our coaches are more than equipped to support you on your journey to optimal health and wellness.

10/02/2024

"And" statements are beneficial in any relationship—whether it's between a client and practitioner, parent and child, student and teacher, partners, or friends. Using "but" instead of "and" often invalidates or negates the other person's experience. With "and," we can validate emotions and maintain expectations. We can say "yes" and set boundaries.

Facing challenges doesn’t require defensiveness. Power struggles rarely lead to learning or growth.

We encourage you to incorporate "and" statements in both your personal and professional interactions to foster trust, mutual respect, and positive behavior change.

10/01/2024

At the Holistic Behavior Collective, we embrace the powerful blend of Applied Behavior Analysis, and Acceptance commitment Therapy with the foundation of Trauma Informed Care. This unique combination supports with creating a nurturing environment reducing toxic stress, while building capacity and resilience.

07/23/2024

Trauma informed care is research based, and it dates back to the 20th century. Learn more about the influential work of Pierre Janet, and why trauma informed care is NOT taboo- but research based.

Connection to community, and engagement with the body is necessary for all. Not just able bodied, and neurotypical human. All humans.

07/19/2024

We exist within a multitude of systems daily, from the micro (our families) to the macro (industries, economy, politics). These systems either reinforce trauma or resist it.

Trauma-reinforcing systems operate from a pathogenic perspective, focusing on diagnosing and fixing acute problems without considering sustainability or long-term health. The goal is a quick fix, regardless of the cost.

In contrast, a trauma-informed, holistic approach uses a salutogenic perspective, prioritizing overall well-being and sustainable function. One of the greatest challenges in trauma-informed care is facing the adversity of implementing salutogenic methods in a predominantly pathogenic society.

Many days feel like an uphill battle, tempting us to give in and go with the flow. However, creating trauma-resisting systems starts with our smallest unit—ourselves. This includes our values and behavior.

Choosing each day to push against the current is crucial. Equally important is offering yourself the grace and empathy needed to avoid carrying the burden alone.

07/19/2024

By understanding the impact of trauma, we foster a compassionate approach to behavior change that honors the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.

07/18/2024

Hey there.
I am Lauryn Elder, the Owner and Founder of The Holistic Behavior Co—a Trauma-Informed Behavioral Health company.

In my early years as a board-certified behavior analyst, I was the sole analyst across 12 schools. I quickly realized that one behavior analyst alone could not address the deep concerns arising when behaviors spike.

We often learn that every behavior has a function, which seems straightforward. However, I am here to tell you that this is very rarely the case.

In the healthcare world, studying ABA often means fitting into an "autism service" box. If autism is not present, insurance typically does not cover it, despite ABA and ACT research being among the strongest tools for behavior modification across various settings and diagnoses.

It was surprising to see that, upon reviewing my caseload of over 40 children and adolescents, adoption, trauma, co-morbid diagnoses, traumatic brain injuries, rare genetic disorders, and more were present at the same rate as, if not in combination with, autism.

I had so much to learn and unlearn.

I began to value care collaboration, working with teams, and understanding all the factors affecting my children in and out of the classroom.
Working directly in partnership with an LPC-MH is where I found my joy and purpose post-certification. Despite being from two different disciplines, we began collaborating and bridging gaps with trauma-informed care, increasing collaboration between families and educators. We bridged those gaps well.

I have worked in nearly every setting possible for my profession. From being a para-educator in various settings to a behavior tech and registered behavior tech in homes, clinics, and schools, to a Behavior Specialist and board-certified Behavior Analyst across multiple environments.

Over the past six years, I have been self-studying and receiving direct supervision in: Poly-Vagal Theory and Neurobiology, Attachment Theory and Dyadic Developmental Practice, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Trauma-Informed Care, Neurodiversity Affirming Practice and Functional Fitness and Nutrition.

I have learned that the most powerful behavior support is contextually sensitive to the families and individuals we serve, buffering the inevitable stress of raising a child and incorporating individual and family values. My work is nothing without a strong team to collaborate with and tag team as necessary.

I started my business to better serve my direct community, rather than sacrificing what I learned to the medical model and the current state of the education system here in Delaware. I am excited to announce that The Holistic Behavior Co. will be expanding slowly and intentionally in the Delaware area.
In the next few months, we will be hiring :BCBA Caregiver Trainers + Direct support staff. I cannot wait to share more about our mission at The Holistic Behavior Collective, and how our work differs from the traditional model of ABA therapy.

07/10/2024

We have to understand the roots in order to make meaningful progress.

06/28/2024

Autism Friendly Community Event Alert!:

SENSORY HOUR
SATURDAY, JULY 13, 9-10AM

Visit the zoo for a quiet hour in the morning. Guests can enjoy sensory-friendly stations in a less crowded atmosphere. This is a self-guided visit catering to guests with sensitivities, autism, disabilities and really anyone who could benefit from a quieter more inclusive experience. Free with zoo admission.

Link to sign up: