Helping Grow Courage One Step at a Time
Behavior therapy for children, teens, and young adults struggling with fears, avoidance, and phobias
How It Works
My approach is based in behavioral science and focuses on graduated exposure—a proven method for reducing fear and avoidance. That means:
Breaking challenges into small, manageable steps
Building confidence through success and coping skills, not pressure
Moving at a pace that feels safe and achievable
I believe courage is not about forcing someone through fear—it’s about preparing them to take the next step.
Since every individual moves at their own pace, we work together to create progress that feels meaningful and sustainable.
My Approach
What I Do
As your Courage Coach, I am passionate about supporting you and your family as you face the everyday fears that often get in the way of daily life.
Whether it’s avoiding haircuts or automatic hand dryers, feeling overwhelmed around dogs, or struggling with new or unfamiliar situations, I use structured, supportive strategies to help build confidence over time.
Carrie Daly is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst known for her clinical skills, calm presence, and compassionate nature. She has spent the last two decades supporting children, teens, and young adults, including individuals with autism and other developmental differences, to overcome obstacles, build new skills, and live life to the fullest
Assessment and Rapport Building
First, an in-depth interview is conducted to better understand the client’s unique strengths and challenges, including their history, triggers and behavior patterns related to the specific fear, while also taking into account personal values and goals. Then 2–3 sessions are spent getting to know the client through play or other low-pressure, preferred activities to build trust and connection as their coach.
Personalized Program Development
Following assessment and rapport-building, an individualized program is designed for the client. This typically includes a systematic plan for gradually facing the fear (often called an exposure hierarchy), and personalized tools for understanding and tracking anxiety, as well as visual supports to strengthen coping skills and resilience.
Direct Therapy Sessions
One-on-one sessions begin using a structured, but gentle step-by-step approach to facing the fear—often in real-world settings. By consistently pairing challenges with positive support, the client learns to replace avoidance with coping skills, resilience, and confidence.
Family Support and Follow Up
Collaboration with family members is done throughout to ensure comfort and alignment. As goals are achieved, targeted caregiver coaching is prioritized to support the carryover and maintenance of newly developed skills and resilience.
What You Can Expect
"Carrie is an exceptional BCBA who brings a rare combination of courage, grounded expertise, and genuine joy to her work—making a meaningful impact on both children and parents.”
N.S.
(Fears addressed: biking, swimming at camp and hand dryers)
Testimonials
"We often referred to Carrie as our son’s “third parent”. She supported him between ages 3 and 8, and is one of the key reasons he’s thriving today at age 9. We trust Carrie completely; she is talented, empathetic, organized, communicative, and an incredible advocate. We are so grateful for Carrie and how she set our son and family up for success as we navigate the nuances of autism."
L.C.
(Fears addressed: preschool drop off, school performances and presentations)
"Before we started working with Carrie, we had no idea what was possible for Noah. At 12 years old, he was afraid to ride his bike and struggled with confidence in a variety of social situations. From the very beginning, Noah connected with Carrie and was willing to try things with her that he wouldn't attempt with us.
Noah not only learned to ride his bike, but became more confident navigating everyday community situations, such as ordering food at restaurants and making small purchases at grocery stores. He developed stronger social conversation skills, and we saw a remarkable increase in his confidence and independence that extended far beyond our original goals.
Carrie collaborated with our family every step of the way, making us feel supported and involved throughout the process. Her expertise, patience, and genuine care have truly changed our lives—and have helped us feel more confident and capable as parents, too."
V.H.
"From the moment we met Carrie, we knew she’s someone who loves this profession and will make a difference. She has a quiet resolve and was methodical and efficient wth her approach. In three years, she helped my son reach many goals and unlock his potential. He is much more confident and happy now. Carrie is also a passionate and unapologetic advocate! We thoroughly enjoyed working with her and are very grateful for her positive impact on our family.."
D.C.
(Fears addressed: biking, dental visits, loud noises)
Contact
Reach out anytime for questions or more information.
carrie daly, m.a., bcba, lba
EMAIL: couragecoachsb@gmail.com
CALL OR TEXT: 805-869-9389
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