Hey.
I’m Lorneshia Cooper, and I am a Solo Imposter BCBA.
If you’re reading this blog, you’re probably a BCBA wrestling with the same monster: imposter syndrome. So come on in the room. Have a seat. Let’s chat. Because imposter syndrome has been trying to take your girl out lately. And honestly? It got louder when I went solo.
I don’t have an office next door anymore.
No popping my head in to bounce ideas off another BCBA.
No quick reassurance from a work bestie reminding me I’m not crazy—or alone.
When you’re a solo practitioner, that support disappears. And the quiet? Whew. The quiet makes room for doubt.
And let’s be real… we’re also on a battlefield right now.
ABA is stuck in this weird limbo between old-school compliance-based practices and neuro-affirming, assent-based care. It can be hard to find your people. You think you’ve found “your person,” and then they say something that pulls you straight back into old ABA—and suddenly you’re standing there alone again.
And that’s when the thoughts creep in:
Maybe I don’t know what I’m doing.
Maybe I was more confident before for a reason.
The “Yet” Factor
Practicing differently is scary.
You’re used to the old compliance-based ways “working”—even when they didn’t always sit right with you. Now you’re trying something new. Something more intentional. More affirming.
But here’s the problem…
You don’t have a long reinforcement history with these strategies yet.
That word matters..... Yet.
Until that success builds, confidence wobbles. And when other professionals around you aren’t practicing the same way—or openly question what you’re doing—that wobble can turn into full-blown imposter syndrome.
It’s hard out here for a pimp, LOL.
Get It Out or Let It Grow
I refuse to let imposter syndrome stop me.
So this blog? This is my outlet.
Because if these thoughts stay in my head, they’re just going to grow and grow and grow—and ain’t nobody got time for that. I already carry enough mental load for my learners. Imposter syndrome doesn’t get to take up prime real estate in my brain too.
So every time I feel like a fraud, I’m writing a post.
I want to build a community here. If you want to comment and remain anonymous, do that. Make up a name. Protect your identity until you’re ready to be fully seen—I’m okay with that. Just don’t stay isolated.
I’ll see you next time.
Hopefully not too soon…
But let’s be honest—imposter syndrome is a b**.
Stay tuned.
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