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TRIBE Talk
Welcome to TRIBE Talk, the podcast where we talk trauma-informed care. Hosted by Laura Neal and Rachel Evans, from The Behaviour Therapy Clinic, the creators of the TRIBE model of Trauma Informed Care. Each episode explores real stories, practical strategies, and the science behind supporting children, families, and carers through adversity.
We dive into the challenges of parenting and caring for children impacted by trauma, share insights from behavioural science and therapy, and offer practical tools you can use in everyday life. Whether you’re a foster carer, adoptive parent, social worker, educator, or therapist, TRIBE Talk is here to help you turn trauma theory into trauma-informed practice.
Join us for compassionate conversations, expert advice, and a dose of inspiration—because every child deserves care that heals.
TRIBE Talk
Myth Buster – Why Everyone Needs to Know About Reinforcement | #TRIBE Talk - Ep. 17
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In this episode of TRIBE Talk, we tackle one of the most misunderstood—and most powerful—concepts in behavioural science: reinforcement. Often confused with rewards, bribery, or “letting behaviour slide,” reinforcement is frequently dismissed before it’s properly understood. This episode cuts through the noise to clarify what reinforcement really is and why it plays a central role in shaping behaviour across everyday parenting, education, and therapeutic contexts.
Using a trauma-informed lens, we explore how reinforcement operates whether we intend it to or not and why understanding it is essential if we want to support children ethically, effectively, and compassionately. This is a practical myth-busting conversation designed to help adults move from reactive responses to intentional, values-led support that builds skills, safety, and long-term change.
Episode Highlights:
What reinforcement actually means (and what it doesn’t)
Common myths about reinforcement and behaviour support
Why reinforcement is always happening—even when we’re unaware of it
The difference between reinforcement, rewards, and bribery
How reinforcement shows up in trauma-informed care
Why understanding reinforcement improves outcomes
Using reinforcement ethically to support regulation, learning, and relationships
If you want to learn more about reinforcement why not attend our TRIBE Trauma Informed Care Training: https://www.tribecare.org/tribe-training