Science, in service
of reconnection.
Reunify Science is an evidence-informed initiative bringing contextual behavioral science to families navigating high-conflict separation, parental alienation, and reunification.
To apply behavior analysis, relational frame theory, and acceptance and commitment training to the dynamics of family conflict, so that families have access to evidence-based understanding, not just labels.
Reunify Science applies behavior analytic principles to support families navigating high-conflict separation. We develop tools and resources grounded in Relational Frame Theory (RFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and functional analysis to help professionals and families understand complex dynamics and work toward constructive outcomes.
High-conflict separation is one of the hardest things a family can go through. In the middle of it, parents and children are too often reduced to diagnoses and accusations, and the science that could actually help gets left out of the room.
Reunify Science takes a different starting point. Behavior happens in a context. When we look carefully at what people do, the situations they do it in, and the private experiences that come along with it, patterns become visible, and patterns can change. That is the promise of contextual behavioral science, and it is what this project exists to make usable.
Everything here is built to stay within behavior-analytic scope of practice. It is not direct therapy. It is a way of thinking, backed by evidence, offered to the parents and professionals who are trying to do right by a child.
Four commitments.
Frameworks, not labels
We describe behavior in context instead of assigning diagnoses to parents or children.
Evidence over opinion
Data informs the work. We follow what research and observation actually support.
Within scope, always
Everything stays inside behavior-analytic practice and ethical guidelines.
The whole team
Change comes from involving everyone around a child, working openly together.
Rob Spain, BCBA, IBA
Reunify Science is an evidence-informed initiative by Rob Spain, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and International Behavior Analyst (IBA) who specializes in applying behavior science to complex family systems. The work draws on years of applying behavior analysis to real families, and a conviction that the same science can help when a family is coming back together.
Commitment to ethical practice.
All work on Reunify Science is guided by the ethical principles of behavior analysis and professional standards for applied work with families.
Scope of Competence
We operate strictly within behavior analytic scope of practice, focusing on observable behavior patterns, functional analysis, and behavior change strategies rather than diagnostic categories or psychiatric terminology.
Client Welfare & Safety
The welfare and safety of families is our primary concern. All tools and resources are designed to support constructive outcomes while prioritizing child well-being and family stability.
Evidence-Based Approach
We ground all work in established behavior science principles, with transparent citations and acknowledgment of theoretical foundations. We distinguish clearly between established science and emerging applications.
Professional Collaboration
We emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and appropriate referral when situations extend beyond behavior analytic scope or require additional professional expertise.
BACB Ethics Code compliance.
All work on Reunify Science aligns with the BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts (2022), which provides the foundation for ethical practice in behavior analysis. Below are key code sections that guide our work.
Responsible Conduct of Behavior Analysts
We maintain professional competence through ongoing education and practice within our scope of training. All content is reviewed for accuracy and alignment with current behavior analytic research.
Behavior Analysts' Responsibility to Clients
Client welfare is paramount. We prioritize evidence-based practices, obtain informed consent for tool usage, maintain confidentiality, and avoid conflicts of interest.
Assessing Behavior
Our assessment tools are grounded in behavior analytic principles, focusing on observable behavior patterns and functional relationships rather than diagnostic categories. We emphasize culturally responsive assessment practices.
Behavior Analysts and the Behavior-Change Program
Interventions suggested through our tools are conceptually consistent with behavior analytic principles, individualized, and focused on meaningful outcomes for families.
Behavior Analysts' Ethical Responsibility to the Profession
We contribute to the profession through research dissemination, accurate representation of behavior analysis, and appropriate professional boundaries.
Key ethical principles.
- Beneficence & Nonmaleficence: Promoting well-being and avoiding harm in all family interactions (BACB Code 1.02, 2.01)
- Fidelity & Responsibility: Maintaining professional boundaries and honoring commitments to families (BACB Code 1.04, 1.05)
- Integrity: Being honest, transparent, and accurate in all professional activities (BACB Code 1.06)
- Justice: Ensuring fair access and treatment for all families (BACB Code 1.07)
- Respect for Rights & Dignity: Honoring the autonomy and privacy of families (BACB Code 2.01-2.05)
- Scope of Competence: Practicing only within areas of training and experience (BACB Code 1.02)
- Professional Collaboration: Working with other professionals when appropriate (BACB Code 2.09)
Ethical considerations in family work.
Dual Relationships & Boundaries
In family conflict contexts, we maintain clear professional boundaries and avoid dual relationships that could impair objectivity or exploit relationships.
Confidentiality in Family Systems
We navigate complex confidentiality issues in family systems with transparency about information sharing limits and obtain appropriate consents.
Evidence-Based Practice
All recommendations are grounded in behavior analytic research, with clear distinctions between established principles and emerging applications.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
We recognize the limits of behavior analytic scope and emphasize collaboration with legal, mental health, and educational professionals when appropriate.
Ethical Decision-Making Framework
When facing ethical dilemmas in family work, we follow a systematic decision-making process:
- 1Identify the relevant BACB Ethics Code sections
- 2Consider all stakeholders' perspectives and welfare
- 3Consult with professional colleagues when appropriate
- 4Document the decision-making process and rationale
- 5Implement the decision and monitor outcomes
What we do.
Research-Based Tools
Developing assessment and intervention tools grounded in behavior science principles for professionals working with families.
Professional Resources
Creating educational materials and training resources for behavior analysts and other professionals working in family contexts.
Theoretical Research
Advancing theoretical frameworks applying behavior science to complex family dynamics through professional writing and research.
What we don't do.
- Diagnostic Assessment: We do not provide psychiatric diagnoses or use DSM diagnostic categories
- Legal Testimony: We do not provide expert testimony in legal proceedings
- Direct Therapy Services: We do not provide direct therapy or treatment to families
- Child Custody Recommendations: We do not make recommendations about custody or visitation arrangements
Professional boundaries & scope.
Reunify Science operates as a resource platform and research initiative, not as a direct therapy provider. Our tools and resources are designed to support professionals in their work with families, not to replace professional judgment or qualified support.
Important Notice for Families
If you are a family navigating separation or conflict:
- →Our resources are educational and informational in nature
- →We recommend working with qualified local professionals for direct support
- →In emergency situations, contact local crisis services or emergency responders
Emergency Resources: National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 | Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Research & evidence base.
All tools and resources on Reunify Science are grounded in established behavior science principles, including:
- Relational Frame Theory (RFT) and derived relational responding
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and psychological flexibility
- Functional analysis and behavior assessment methodologies
- Rule-governed behavior and contingency-shaped behavior distinctions
- Behavior analytic ethics and professional practice standards
BACB Ethics Code Compliance Statement
Reunify Science operates in full compliance with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts (2022). This code provides the foundation for all professional activities on this platform.
Primary Ethics Code References
- • 1.0 Responsible Conduct of Behavior Analysts
- • 2.0 Responsibility to Clients
- • 3.0 Assessing Behavior
- • 4.0 Behavior-Change Programs
- • 7.0 Responsibility to the Profession
Key Compliance Areas
- • Scope of competence maintenance
- • Evidence-based practice
- • Client confidentiality & consent
- • Professional boundaries
- • Accurate representation of services
Professional Affiliations & Credentials: Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA #1-19-39971) | International Behavior Analyst (IBA) | Member, Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS) | Adherence to BACB Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts.
Last Updated: February 2026 | Ethics Review: Regular review against current BACB ethics code and professional standards. | BACB Code Version: 2022 Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts
Note: The BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts is copyrighted by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board®, Inc. (“BACB®”) and is used here for reference purposes only. This does not imply endorsement by the BACB®.
Let’s talk about your work.
For research collaboration, professional partnerships, or questions about our ethical framework and scope of practice, reach out any time.