Dr. Laura Lyons, PH.D, BCBA

Laura Lyons received her PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2014 from Columbia University. Prior to receiving her BCBA-D, she worked as a regular and special education teacher in a variety of settings. Dr. Lyons has served as a clinical supervisor at a preschool for students with disabilities, the director of a behavior analytic learning center, and is responsible for creating and supporting an in-district program based on the principles of applied behavior analysis.

What inspired you to choose a career in social work / professional counseling? 

I have always been fascinated by people and motivated by a desire to help others. While working with neurodiverse learners in college, I realized this work would become much more than a career. I love recognizing and celebrating each person's unique strengths while helping them navigate challenges. Behavior analysis combines my passion for people with the opportunity to make a lasting difference in their lives. I have yet to meet a person who isn't brilliant in their own way, and it is a privilege to partner with individuals and families and create more opportunities for growth, independence, and joy.

What types of behaviors do you treat? 

I work with clients and their families to build meaningful skills that improve everyday life. This often includes developing more effective communication to replace challenging behaviors such as tantrums, aggression, or self-injury. We also work on skills like attention, learning how to learn, communication, play, and social interaction.

Behavior analysis can support many aspects of daily living, including eating, sleeping, routines and transitions, tolerance of difficult situations, executive functioning, and emotional regulation. One of the things I love most about behavior analysis is its broad application: if a behavior can be learned, it can be taught, strengthened, and improved. That means there is always potential for meaningful growth and positive change.

What techniques and modalities does a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst use in practice?

I take an assent-based approach to therapy, ensuring that trust, dignity, and meaningful rapport are at the center of every intervention. My practice is individualized, drawing from multiple evidence-based applications of behavior analysis to meet each client's unique needs.

When addressing challenging behaviors, I use Skills-Based Treatment to help clients build practical, meaningful skills that improve quality of life. To support developmental progress, I focus on foundational learning behaviors, or behavioral cusps, that create opportunities for more efficient and lasting growth across a wide range of skills. I also incorporate a verbal behavior developmental approach to foster functional communication and promote meaningful social interaction.

What’s a hobby or interest you enjoy outside of work? 

Even as an adult, I love to play! I like to run, swim, and go to the beach. My family enjoys playing cards and board games. I like to read fiction and watch basketball. 

Do you have a favorite book, movie, song or quote that inspires you?  

As a basketball fan I try to live by two quotes from the famous basketball coach John Wooden. 1. "Good Values are like a magnet-they attract good people, " and 2. " If you do enough small things right, big things can happen."