ABOUT US
At the behavioral forge, we help individuals and families forge lasting change through practical coaching grounded in psychological science and evidence-based practices. We focus on understanding behavior, strengthening effective habits, and replacing dysfunctional patterns with skills that work in real life. Our approach blends compassion with research, turning insight into sustainable action.
Philosophy of Change
Behavior does not change through insight alone. It changes through consistent contingencies, skill development, and environments that support success. The Behavioral Forge applies well-established principles of learning to help clients build systems that make change predictable and sustainable.
How Coaching Works
Behavioral Assessment – We identify patterns, triggers, and maintaining variables behind behavior.
Strategy Design – Interventions are drawn directly from behavioral psychology and learning theory.
Practice & Adjustment – Skills are shaped over time through feedback and refinement.
Sustainable Systems – The goal is independence, not ongoing dependency on coaching.
What Makes The Behavioral Forge Different
Rooted in psychological science, not pop psychology
Focused on behavioral systems rather than motivation
Ethical use of reinforcement and consequences
Designed for long-term change
Led by a master’s-level behavioral psychologist with 15 years of college-level teaching experience
Who Coaching Is Best For
Coaching is a good fit for individuals and families who:
Want practical, science-based tools
Are ready to apply strategies consistently
Prefer skill-building over insight-only approaches
Are not seeking mental health diagnosis or treatment
Ethical Commitment
The Behavioral Forge is committed to ethical practice, transparency, and evidence-based methods. When a client’s needs fall outside the scope of coaching, appropriate referrals are recommended.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Behavioral Forge is to translate behavioral science into practical, ethical tools that create sustainable change.
We help parents, individuals, and professionals understand how behavior actually works—so they can build systems that support consistency, self-regulation, and long-term success without relying on willpower, motivation, or guesswork.
What Coaching Is — and Is Not
What Coaching Is
Coaching at The Behavioral Forge is an educational, skills-based service grounded in behavioral psychology and learning science. Coaching focuses on identifying patterns, designing effective environments, and building practical systems that support behavior change in everyday life.
Coaching may include:
Behavioral assessment and pattern analysis
Education on evidence-based principles of learning and behavior
Development of routines, habits, and reinforcement systems
Skills training in consistency, follow-through, and self-regulation
Collaborative problem-solving and strategy refinement
The emphasis is on present behavior and future action, using methods supported by psychological research.
What Coaching Is Not
Coaching at The Behavioral Forge is not psychotherapy, counseling, diagnosis, or mental health treatment. Services do not involve clinical assessment, treatment of mental health disorders, or exploration of past trauma.
Coaching does not include:
Diagnosis or treatment of mental health conditions
Psychotherapy or clinical counseling
Crisis intervention or emergency services
Medical or psychiatric advice
Clients seeking therapy, diagnosis, or treatment for mental health conditions are encouraged to work with a licensed mental health professional.
Why This Distinction Matters
Behavior change does not require therapy for everyone. Many challenges—such as habit formation, follow-through, routines, compliance, and consistency—are best addressed through structured, evidence-based coaching focused on learning principles and environmental design.
The Behavioral Forge exists to provide clear, ethical, and effective coaching, staying firmly within scope while delivering strategies that work. In addition, it is important to differentiate between the two in order to reduce client confusion prior to requesting any type of service.
My Journey
Background
Let me start at the beginning. Prior to entering the field of psychology full-time, I worked in heavy industry for about eighteen years serving as a welder/fabricator, industrial maintenance and electrical, and weld trainer. At this point I went through a very nasty divorce that put my children in the middle, so I volunteered for in-home counseling services through the local mental health agency. This is what piqued my interest in psychology, and I decided to attend college. From that point, I went on to obtain a multidisciplinary bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology, social work, with a minor in law from Iowa Wesleyan University. Then proceeded to obtain a dual Master of Science in psychology and behavior while working full time and raising nine children, for much of this journey. Subsequently, I worked in-home family services and an offshoot of child protective services then landed a teaching role as a college instructor for undergraduate psychology courses fifteen years ago.
Behavioral Scientist
Behavioral Insights LLC.
Self-run 2011 – 2024
Services/Consulting
Consultant/Coach
Self-Run
2019 – Present
Helping clients build lasting change through tailored behavioral/psychological strategies.
Real Voices
LEGAL DISCLAIMERS:
Educational & Coaching Disclaimer
The Behavioral Forge provides educational and coaching services grounded in behavioral psychology and learning science. Services are designed to support skill development, behavior change, and practical application of evidence-based principles.
The Behavioral Forge does not provide psychotherapy, counseling, diagnosis, or treatment of mental health disorders.
Not Medical or Mental Health Treatment
Information and services provided by The Behavioral Forge are not a substitute for medical, psychiatric, or mental health care. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, emotional distress, or require diagnosis or treatment, please seek support from a licensed mental health professional or emergency services.
No Guarantee of Results
Behavior change depends on many factors, including consistency, environment, and individual differences. While strategies used are evidence-based, no specific outcomes are guaranteed.
Scope & Referral Disclaimer
If a client’s needs fall outside the scope of coaching services, The Behavioral Forge reserves the right to recommend referral to appropriate licensed professionals.
Informational Use Disclaimer
Educational materials, guides, diagrams, and resources provided by The Behavioral Forge are for informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute therapy, diagnosis, or individualized mental health or psychological treatment.
