S4 E3: Understanding Human Behavior | Leadership, Crime, Trauma, and Systems Change with Dr. Timothy J. Templin

What can forensic behavior analysis teach us about leadership, trauma, crime, compassion, and changing systems?

In this episode of Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change-Makers, Dr. Esther Bubb sits down with Dr. Timothy J. Templin, Ph.D., BCBA, a behavior analyst with extensive experience in forensic psychiatric care and a longtime contributor to the field of forensic behavior analysis.

Tim shares his journey from psychology and forensic psychiatric care into behavior analysis and criminal behaviorology—and explains why understanding the environment surrounding behavior is essential for effective leadership.

Together, Esther and Tim explore:

How environmental contingencies influence behavior and leadership

What behavior analysis can teach us about crime, aggression, and gender-based violence

Why changes in reporting and data collection matter when interpreting increases in crime

How trauma can shape behavior long after a traumatic experience occurs

Ethical challenges when applying behavior analysis in forensic and correctional settings

Why compassion and accountability can—and should—coexist

How inconsistent systems and staff responses can contribute to behavioral escalation

The importance of behavioral skills training, coaching, modeling, and reinforcement in changing institutional culture