In this episode of TRIBE Talk, we tackle one of the most misunderstood—and most powerful—concepts in behavioural science: reinforcement. Often confused with rewards, bribery, or “letting behaviour slide,” reinforcement is frequently dismissed before it’s properly understood. This episode cuts through the noise to clarify what reinforcement really is and why it plays a central role in shaping behaviour across everyday parenting, education, and therapeutic contexts.

Using a trauma-informed lens, we explore how reinforcement operates whether we intend it to or not and why understanding it is essential if we want to support children ethically, effectively, and compassionately. This is a practical myth-busting conversation designed to help adults move from reactive responses to intentional, values-led support that builds skills, safety, and long-term change.

Episode Highlights:
What reinforcement actually means (and what it doesn’t)
Common myths about reinforcement and behaviour support
Why reinforcement is always happening—even when we’re unaware of it
The difference between reinforcement, rewards, and bribery
How reinforcement shows up in trauma-informed care
Why understanding reinforcement improves outcomes
Using reinforcement ethically to support regulation, learning, and relationships

If you want to learn more about reinforcement why not attend our TRIBE Trauma Informed Care Training: https://www.tribecare.org/tribe-training

In this episode of TRIBE Talk, we unpack one of the most common—and most confusing—experiences for parents, carers, and professionals: behaviour that appears to come out of nowhere. Through a trauma-informed lens, we explore how triggers linked to past experiences can activate survival responses in the present, even when there is no obvious cause in the here and now.

Grounded in behavioural science and trauma-informed care, this episode reframes “out of the blue” behaviour as meaningful communication. How adults can respond in ways that reduce escalation, build safety, and support long-term regulation rather than inadvertently reinforcing distress.

Episode Highlights:
What trauma triggers are and how they develop
Why behaviour can look sudden, extreme, or unpredictable
Why children often can’t identify or explain their triggers
How adult responses can escalate or de-escalate behaviour

For more information visit www.tribecare.org

In this week’s episode of TRIBE Talk, we take a clear, trauma-informed look at behaviour therapy—what it is, what it isn’t, and how it can meaningfully support children with trauma histories. We explore how modern behaviour therapy has evolved integrating compassion, developmental understanding, and evidence-based psychological approaches.

Through a practical and balanced lens, this episode positions behaviour therapy as a flexible, child-centred toolkit that can be tailored to meet the complex needs of children impacted by trauma—supporting emotional regulation, skill development, and long-term resilience when applied thoughtfully and ethically.

Episode Highlights:
The different types of behaviour therapy and how they differ
How behaviour therapy supports children with trauma histories
The role of ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) in values-led, flexible support
Where CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) fits
The importance of early intervention for long-term outcomes
Using behaviour therapy in a trauma-informed, relationship-based way

Check Out Our other Episodes:
Emotional Regulation for Children With Trauma Histories: https://youtu.be/hNF_xTuYcaE
Contact & Family Time: A Trauma Informed Approach: https://youtu.be/74dsqq6mJx4

To find out more about TRIBE and Trauma Informed Care visit https://www.tribecare.org