July 18, 2016

July 18, 2016

Written by Maximus Peperkamp, M.S. Behavioral Engineer

Dear Reader,

This is my thirty-third response to “Epistemological Barriers to Radical Behaviorism” by Donohue et al. (1998). Don’t think that these writings are redundant or that because you have already read some of my writings you know everything there is to know about Sound Verbal Behavior (SVB). First of all, this writing is only a written explanation about the distinction between SVB and Noxious Verbal Behavior (NVB). Real explanation can only be obtained during spoken communication.

No matter how much you read, the chances are big that you still don’t get it as this distinction deals with speaking and listening. Secondly, the shaping of new vocal verbal behavior involved in your increase of SVB requires that we talk with each other. You cannot study our way into having better communication, you must talk your way into SVB and out of NVB. Thirdly, don’t think of SVB as a therapeutic process which will bring the solution to all your problems. This is not what SVB is. 

Once you engage in SVB, you will notice that you don’t have that many problems to begin with.  SVB is the communication in which there are no problems. This can and must be verified. All your problems are part of NVB. You will be surprised to agree when we get a chance to talk about this. You may think it can’t be that easy, but it is that simple. 

Fourthly, as you familiarize yourself with the SVB/NVB distinction, you acquire a new skill, which gives access to reinforcers that were not previously unavailable. Fifthly, when you continue to have SVB, many thoughts and actions will be possible which you have never thought of. You will feel nourished energized and supported, as there is a constant renewal, exploration and discovery. This is no exaggeration.