Kind Extinction: The Inner Work of Doing Better

Traditional extinction procedures in behavior analysis have long been deemed “effective” but are often experienced as emotionally aversive and disconnected, both for the individuals implementing them and for the children involved (e.g. Lerman, Iwata, & Wallace, 2013). This webinar explores Kind Extinction (Tarbox & Tarbox, 2023), a compassionate and connection-focused variation of extinction that honors emotional experience without reinforcing interfering behavior.

In the first half, participants will explore the foundational science of Kind Extinction, including insights from Tarbox and Tarbox’s 2023 published study on its effectiveness and social validity. Attendees will gain clarity on how extinction procedures can be adjusted to include emotional validation, compassionate presence, and affirming interactions while maintaining behavior change.

The second half focuses on practical application through mental rehearsal, drawing from the Behavioral Skills Training (BST) model and principles of neuro-linguistic programming (NLP). Participants will engage in guided visualization and self-reflection to rehearse compassionate implementation and emotional regulation during challenging moments. This approach promotes internal alignment, ethical practice, and personal growth for behavior analysts, educators, and caregivers.

Participants will explore how science and compassion can coexist and how they an implement behavior-analytic strategies that affirm both values and humanity.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the core components of Kind Extinction and how it differs from traditional extinction procedures in behavior analysis.
2. Identify compassionate practices that align with ethical guidelines and reduce the aversiveness of extinction-based strategies.
3. Explain the findings and implications of the Tarbox et al. (2023) study on Kind Extinction, particularly in relation to social validity and implementation outcomes.
4. Practice mental rehearsal strategies rooted in BST and NLP to prepare for compassionate responding during extinction moments.
5. Reflect on their own emotional responses to behavior challenges and apply techniques for emotional regulation and connection with children in distress.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Jerrod Zertuche, BCBA, Trauma-Informed Neuro-Linguistic Programming Practitioner (NLP)

WEBSITE: https://parentfromlove.com/

Jerrod Zertuche is a trauma-informed behavior analyst, parent coach, and practitioner of neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) who brings a deeply personal understanding of what it means to break generational cycles. As the founder of Parent From Love, Jerrod blends his background in behavior analysis with neuroscience, attachment theory, and mindful coaching to support families navigating complex behaviors with compassion and clarity.

His approach is rooted in lived experience: raised by parents who modeled unconditional love and emotional accountability, Jerrod saw firsthand how intentional parenting can disrupt patterns of trauma. This foundation inspired his belief that good parenting can be learned, and healing is possible for every family.

Since 2012, Jerrod has supported hundreds of families across diverse backgrounds, helping children on the autism spectrum build skills while guiding parents to shift from reactive strategies to regulated, connection-based responses. His practice weaves together evidence-based behavior interventions with the latest in brain science and emotional attunement. Whether it’s supporting emotional regulation, addressing escape-maintained behavior, or helping caregivers get “unstuck” from old patterns, Jerrod’s message is clear: when parents grow, kids thrive.

He is currently pursuing his doctorate in psychology while continuing to coach families, train professionals, and share tools that affirm both science and humanity. Jerrod’s work centers around one core idea: unconditional love is the most powerful gift you can give your child, and yourself.