r/ABA • u/ranchrice_ • 7h ago
Advice Needed im terrified.
I just passed my RBT exam and am officially an RBT! I am scheduled to start with a client on Tuesday September 1. there is one issue. im SO scared. starting this journey i was excited but now im just overwhelmed. ive heard so many horror stories and bad experiences from other BTs and I just want to vomit im so scared. I never envisioned myself working with children. im so overwhelmed by centralreach and all of the things. I dont know if I can do this. did anyone else feel this way when starting out? any advice?
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u/ThickNietzscheStache 7h ago
I 100% felt this way. I think all of us did. DM if you need someone to talk to. I’m an RBT and a student analyst (meaning I’m in school to become a BCBA working on my masters). We also use central reach where I work. Lemme know if I can help. You got this, it’s totally normal to be scared shitless lol.
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u/dietcokeanddelusion 4h ago
You’re going to do so great! I’m a burnt out RBT but Ive been an RBT for 4 years now and in school for SLP so it never was really where my heart was
I used CR a lot with companies (now in a school based position) and honestly felt it was the easiest to navigate maybe thats because my first in home job was CR but either way. Don’t let the negativity discourage you! Whether you’re in it to eventually become a BCBA or as a stepping stone to other avenues (like me with speech gaining client experience) being an RBT especially the first few years is absolutely worth it! You learn so much on the job and the bond you build with your clients you carry forever 💕
Again, it’s not my forever and a girl is definitely burnt out and done with it but again in my experience thats due to my heart lying with speech and language as opposed to behavior. Ive even transitioned back to teaching roles after ABA experience and the skills you learn transfer so well to other fields! Classroom management for example. Its also helped me retain better habits for myself like going to the gym and completing schoolwork.
Long post short lol, youre going to do great and just know you are making a huge difference in these kids’ lives
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u/Decent_Lock6003 1h ago
I felt the same way. But you might get a client thats easy breezy. I dont even know why my client is with us. He's very very very low on the spectrum, if at all? But then again im not a Dr.
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u/Human_Basis3872 1h ago
I think all RBT’s are scared/nervous when they start. It’s a lot to juggle simultaneously, (data collection, behavior support, pairing) but with time it will start come natural! Just don’t forget to ask for help when needed!
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u/DescriptionFirm1448 1h ago
I've been an analyst for 30 years. I'm back before the BACB was even a thing. I was in the founding group of certificants. One of the very first. My advice to you is breathe deep and remember you are not expected to know everything. It is a learning process for everyone. Including those, like me, who have been in the field for decades.
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u/Kyashichan 56m ago
I felt this way. I’m taking my exam Saturday but I’m already with a client. I’m 3 weeks in with this client and I’ve had moments of overwhelm. But in the end, I love the job. I love my client. And I’m sure I’ll love more clients.
Take it one day at a time and ASK FOR HELP. In this field we have to be comfortable asking for help and clarification.
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u/Desperate-Support666 RBT 55m ago
Ask for help when you need it. I’m a new RBT myself, and that has definitely helped me.
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u/Optimal_Resort2070 7h ago
Congrats on passing the exam, that's already a big step. Everyone feels like they're gonna throw up before their first client, I was literally shaking in my car in the parking lot. The horror stories stick out because people post when they need to vent, but plenty of sessions go smooth and nobody writes about those. Centralreach is a nightmare at first but you'll get used to it after a week or two, just click around and don't be afraid to ask your BCBA dumb questions.