Trauma-Informed Behavior Coaching in Michigan: How Mala’s BCBAs Support Families Differently
Trauma-Informed Behavior Coaching in Michigan: How Mala’s BCBAs Support Families Differently
If your child is struggling with behaviors like frequent tantrums, resistance to transitions, sleep problems, self-injury, aggression, ritualistic behavior, executive functioning difficulties, or challenges with toileting, you’re not alone, and you deserve support that’s aligned with your values.
At Mala Child & Family Institute, we offer a compassionate, family-centered alternative to traditional ABA. Our trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, and culturally sensitive behavior coaching services are available in Farmington Hills, Plymouth, and virtually across Michigan. Whether your child is autistic, has ADHD, or is navigating developmental differences, our team is here to provide thoughtful and effective support without shame or rigidity.
Meet Our Behavior Coaches: Fatin & Jelanie
At Mala, our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) are not your typical ABA providers.
Fatin Jafri, MS, TLLP, based in our Farmington Hills clinic, specializes in culturally responsive parent coaching and positive behavior supports. Her approach is warm, attuned, and deeply respectful of each family’s unique background and identity.
Jelanie Bowie MS, TLLP, BCaBA, LABA, located at our Plymouth clinic, brings a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming lens to behavior coaching. She prioritizes sensory needs, emotional regulation, and respectful collaboration with both children and their caregivers.
Supervised by Dr. Kristen Kalymon, PhD, BCBA-D, a licensed psychologist and clinical supervisor at Mala who ensures our behavior services are developmentally appropriate, trauma-sensitive, and aligned with evidence-based, ethical practices.
Not Your Traditional ABA: A Kinder Approach to Behavior Support
Many parents looking for behavioral therapy in Michigan hesitate when they hear terms like ABA or behavioral intervention—and for good reason. Traditional ABA has often prioritized compliance over connection, caused significant trauma, and has failed to honor the full humanity of autistic and neurodivergent children.
That’s why we do things differently at Mala.
Our approach is not focused on “fixing” your child or forcing eye contact or scripted behaviors. Instead, we focus on:
Teaching functional skills that matter in real-life environments, such as:
Brushing teeth and dressing independently,
Asking for help or taking a break before a meltdown,
Coping with transitions or unexpected changes with confidence
Supporting regulation, autonomy, and communication, by:
Teaching children to request breaks or sensory tools when overstimulated,
Supporting kids in making choices during routines like meals or clothing,
Using visual schedules or communication boards to help express needs without frustration
Coaching parents using non-punitive, practical strategies, like:
Replacing time-outs with emotion-coaching and co-regulation techniques,
Reinforcing desired behaviors through praise and natural consequences,
Building daily routines that prevent meltdowns and foster predictability
Creating safe and affirming environments where kids can thrive, by:
Adapting the home or classroom to reduce sensory overload and increase predictability,
Using identity-affirming language and respecting a child’s neurotype and culture,
Centering consent in therapeutic interactions and honoring a child’s “no” or nonverbal cues
This is behavior therapy for autism and ADHD that centers your child’s dignity and growth—not compliance. And it works.
What Behavior Coaching Looks Like at Mala
Here’s what to expect from parent behavior coaching at Mala:
Initial Assessment – A thoughtful intake where we explore your child’s behavior, sensory needs, routines, and your parenting goals.
Personalized Behavior Plan – A clear, strengths-based plan tailored to your child’s needs, with input from you every step of the way.
Ongoing Parent Support – Regular sessions with Fatin or Jelanie to troubleshoot, build confidence, and adjust strategies as needed.
Collaborative, Judgment-Free Space – We partner with you. We never shame, blame, or assume. You are the expert on your child.
Our services are available for in-person support in Farmington Hills and Plymouth, as well as virtual behavior coaching throughout the state of Michigan.
Why Families Choose Mala for Behavior Support
Multidisciplinary care under one roof: Our BCBAs work alongside psychologists, occupational therapists, psychiatrists, and educational advocates.
Neurodiversity-affirming values: We honor all brains, bodies, communication styles, and cultural identities.
Real-life strategies: We provide tools that work in your home, not just on paper.
Respect for autonomy: We never force behaviors or goals that don’t align with your child’s needs or your family’s values.
Parent empowerment: We help you feel more capable, connected, and confident.
Serving Families Across Michigan
If you’re looking for ABA alternatives near Detroit, behavior coaching in Farmington Hills, or neurodiversity-affirming support for autistic children in Plymouth, Mala is here for you. We accept several insurance plans and offer virtual behavioral therapy for Michigan families who prefer care from the comfort of home.
Ready to Get Started?
To learn more or schedule an intake with Fatin or Jelanie, visit www.malafamily.org/enroll to fill out our psychotherapy enrollment form.
At Mala, we believe in honoring your child, supporting your parenting journey, and creating a better way forward—together.
