Beyond Behaviors
"Beyond Behaviors provides the basis for a paradigm shift in understanding and treating children with disruptive behaviors. Historically, educational and therapeutic models treat anti-social and asocial behavior as motivated and incentivized. In this accessible and beautifully written volume, Dr. Delahooke pulls the veil off this myth and replaces it with a neurobiologically-informed treatment model that provides insightful directives leading to effective outcomes."
Stephen W Porges, PhD
Distinguished University Scientist, Indiana University, Professor of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, and author of The Pocket Guide to the Polyvagal Theory: The Transformative Power of Feeling Safe.
"I love this book. It will be one I give and recommend over and over. Beyond Behaviors is succinct, accessible, practical, science-based. And it’s a game changer. My hope is that not only parents, educators, clinicians, and all helping professionals read it, but that it becomes required reading for professionals in training. It’s time for us to use science-informed approaches to go beyond behaviors to support children and their caregivers, and this is the book to light the way."
Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D., LCSW
Executive Director of The Center for Connection
Co-author of the bestsellers The Whole Brain-Child and No-Drama Discipline
"Brilliant!! Dr. Mona Delahooke integrates knowledge from the fields of infant mental health, child development, clinical psychology and neuroscience to provide a revolutionary approach to challenging behaviors in children. Complex neurobiologic processes are beautifully translated into a practical model for meaningful intervention. The unique, yet critical, perspective on children's most challenging behaviors has the power to transform lives. This book is an essential read for all people who care for, or interact, with children."
Megan Stilwill, DO FAAP
Pediatrician
"Dr. Delahooke encourages child professionals and families to see concerning behaviors as the tip of an iceberg. With compassion and insight, she guides us toward creating healing environments of safety and security."
Marylyn R. Sanders, MD, FAAP
Attending Neonatologist, Connecticut Children's Medical Center
Professor of Pediatrics, University of Connecticut School of Medicine
"As a developmental psychologist, compassion teacher, and autism mom, I can whole-heartedly say this book is brilliant. Traditional methods of “shaping” children’s behaviors typically ignore children's emotional state, at great cost to the child’s ability to learn, develop, and form secure relationships. This book provides concrete ways to help understand safety as the foundation for children’s learning, working with rather than against natural brain functions to maximize learning potential."
Kristin Neff, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Educational Psychology
The University of Texas at Austin
Beyond Behaviors Flip Chart
A Psychoeducational Tool to Help Therapists, Teachers & Parents Understand and Support Children with Behavioral Challenges
With this psychoeducational, in-session tool, you will learn the fundamental concepts behind the Beyond Behaviors approach, including:
- The developmental iceberg as a way to understand individual differences
- The three main autonomic nervous system states that inform a child’s behaviors
- How the process of neuroception reframes disruptive behaviors as protective and adaptive
- The six processes of social-emotional development
- How to reframe behaviors and provide appropriate accommodations for each child
Why Your Child Can’t Access Coping Skills When They Need Them Most
November 7th, 2021
Many parents try to empower their children by teaching them techniques to calm themselves when they’re upset: breathing slowing, doing calming yoga poses, thinking positive thoughts. Recently, I did an informal survey, asking parents whether their kids ever have trouble using these kinds of coping skills. The overwhelming response: yes! Not only do children fail […]
Halloween: An Opportunity for Creativity and Connection
October 20th, 2021
With Halloween around the corner, kids’ thoughts begin turning to candy and Jack-o’-lanterns. The autumn holiday offers something else, too: an opportunity to nurture your child’s creativity and, in the process, check in with them emotionally. Anytime children let us in on the workings of their imaginations, they’re providing us with valuable glimpses into their […]
Finding our Way Back: How Trauma-Responsive Practices Can help us Face this Moment
April 29th, 2021
There were moments during the pandemic when it seemed this time might never arrive. But day by day, week by week, children are returning to classrooms. Even as we face the future, it’s important to reflect on how we have all endured a prolonged period of stress. Over many months, we have experienced cues of life […]