Compliance to Commitment: Seven Habits of the Highly Effective Caregiver Trainer

Drawing on principles of behavior change, motivational interviewing, and shaping, this session introduces seven evidence-based habits that transform caregiver training from a one-way instructional event into a collaborative, trust-driven process. Attendees will learn how to identify the most meaningful targets for family behavior change, hold honest conversations about barriers without damaging the therapeutic alliance, structure early wins that produce genuine reinforcement for caregivers, and use data visualization as a tool for sustaining momentum into more demanding programming. The session emphasizes a graduated approach: start small, build trust, demonstrate success, then expand.

1. 1Identify and prioritize caregiver behavior change targets using a structured assessment of feasibility, impact, and family readiness — including how to facilitate honest conversations about barriers without undermining the therapeutic relationship.
2. 2Apply a shaping framework to caregiver training by breaking complex home implementation tasks into sequenced steps that produce rapid, visible reinforcement early in the process.
3. 3Describe strategies for using visual data displays and performance feedback to sustain caregiver motivation and support gradual expansion into higher-effort or higher-stakes programming.