Using Universal Protocol as Rapport Building Approach 


Original Air Date: January 30, 2026

Short Title: Using Universal Protocol as Rapport Building Approach

RBT PDU offered: 0.5 BACB RBT PDU

Webinar Duration: 30 minutes

Instructors:

  • Paul Doher, MA, BCBA, LBA


Abstract:

ABA therapy requires asking a lot from the learner. We are teaching functional and socially appropriate skills that require a lot of effort and motivation, and the more demands that are presented, we run the risk of losing cooperation. That's why it is incredibly important that we not only focus on building skills but also building relationships with our learners. Engaging in rapport building is the first thing an R/BT is expected to do when paired with a client, but the behaviors and expectations for how to engage in rapport building are not always explicitly taught. With Universal Protocol, we have a standard set of behaviors that staff engage in during the rapport building process to establish strong, therapeutic relationships with their clients. Not only does this approach emphasize how to build rapport, it also is a trauma-assumed, safe, and dignified approach to interacting with learners.

Learning Objectives

  1. Understand the behaviors necessary to engage in effective rapport building with clients.
  2. Articulate why engaging in robust rapport building is important. 


Instructor(s)

National Director of Clinical Quality Paul Doher, MA, BCBA, LBA

Paul Doher has been working with individuals with special needs since 2011. He began as a special education teacher in the public schools for five years before obtaining his BCBA and transitioning to the field of ABA. He has held the role of behavior technician, program supervisor, clinical director, and is currently the National Director of Clinical Quality at Acorn Health. In his current role he focuses on training clinicians how to assess and treat individuals who engage in severe, high magnitude interfering behavior, as well as design and implement quality assurance tools and processes. He lives in Okemos, MI with his wife and two daughters.