The Business of Behavior: The Behaviorist’s Roadmap to Independent Practice
A structured guide to launching an independent ABA practice

Book + Companion Startup Course Bundle

$29 (shipping included)

Purchase Book + Course

Many behavior analysts consider independent practice at some point in their careers but feel uncertain about where to begin. Questions about funding, service models, ethical considerations, and sustainable systems can make the process feel overwhelming.

The Business of Behavior was written to provide a clear starting point. 

This guide is designed for behavior analysts who want to approach independent practice thoughtfully and build a strong foundation before launching.

Using behavior-analytic principles applied to business development, this guide walks you step by step through the early planning stages of building an independent ABA practice.

Rather than offering generic business advice, the book helps you create a Business Support Plan (BSP) — a structured framework for organizing your ideas and making thoughtful decisions before launching.

Inside, you will work through key areas such as:

  • Defining the direction and scope of your independent practice
  • Identifying viable and ethical funding sources
  • Recognizing potential barriers and planning for them
  • Developing sustainable entrepreneurial habits
  • Creating objectives aligned with your professional and personal goals

Purchase Book + Course

Designed as a workbook, The Business of Behavior includes 90 mile markers, guided tasks that prompt reflection, planning, and implementation as you move from idea to launch.

Your purchase includes:

  • Paperback edition of The Business of Behavior
  • Access to the companion startup course (1.5 BACB CEUs)
  • Companion resources to support completion of your Business Support Plan


Orders ship within 7–10 business days.

Order Your Copy + Course

Meet the Author

Charity Steele

M.S., BCBA

Hi, I’m Charity Steele. I’ve been practicing independently since 2010 and have spent much of my career supporting behavior analysts as they explore, launch, and sustain independent practice. I wrote "The Business of Behavior: The Behaviorist's Roadmap to Independent Practice" to provide a clear, structured way to think through the business side of ABA using the same principles we apply to clinical work. My focus has always been on clarity, ethics, and building systems that support long-term, values-aligned practice. When approached intentionally, independent practice can create both professional impact and personal freedom. If you’re considering independent practice, this book is meant to help you do that thoughtfully and strategically.

Hear What Others To Say

“I find myself recommending this book when others ask how I got started so much that I thought, I better review it! This book gave me a clear understanding of all the steps, with explanations, needed to start my own practice. Here I am 10 months later and it’s the best (and scariest) decision I’ve ever made. One of my favorite parts of the book was how Charity always seemed to be rooting me on and encouraging me that I could do it. I also like the explanations, especially about business topics that I had no idea about. I 100% recommend this book to any BCBA’s interested in being their own boss, and leaving the burnout of private equity and micromanagement ABA companies.”

Greg

“It is overwhelming to start a business from scratch. There are so many things to do, and I honestly didn't even know what needed to happen. This book helped me outline a plan and systematically, correctly, and successfully start my business that has now reached it's 1 year birthday. :). Best $25 you can possibly spend. This is everything you need to know to get things up and running.”

North Valley ABA