About Dr. G.
Professional Biography
Dr. Steven Gonzalez is a leading expert in crisis negotiation, behavioral analysis, and Relational Frame Theory (RFT) applications in law enforcement, with 25 years of experience consulting with federal, state, and local agencies. His work focuses on tactical decision-making, linguistic analysis, and verbal behavior as essential tools for crisis resolution.
The S.T.A.R.S. Matrix was developed by Dr. Gonzalez after recognizing a critical gap in law enforcement communication training. Drawing on his extensive experience with crisis negotiation teams and behavioral analysis, he observed patterns in successful versus unsuccessful crisis interactions. This led him to create a comprehensive framework that integrates the principles of Relational Frame Theory with practical field techniques that officers can immediately apply in high-stress situations.
The development of the S.T.A.R.S. Matrix emerged from Dr. Gonzalez’s unique combination of academic research and real-world crisis response experience. Working closely with hostage negotiation teams and mental health Crisis Outreach Teams (COTs), he identified key communication strategies that consistently led to peaceful resolutions. These observations, combined with his expertise in RFT and behavioral science, formed the foundation of the S.T.A.R.S. approach.
As a TCOLE-certified instructor, Dr. Gonzalez provides specialized training for law enforcement hostage negotiation teams and Crisis Outreach Teams. His expertise integrates RFT-based communication strategies into critical incident response, de-escalation tactics, and structured crisis intervention models to improve officer interactions with high-risk individuals.
Key Law Enforcement & Crisis Response Experience
- 25 Years as a Consultant to Law Enforcement Agencies, applying RFT and behavioral science to tactical negotiation, de-escalation, and crisis resolution strategies
- 16 Years Working with Hospital Systems on crisis intervention and prevention, focusing on behavioral response strategies in emergency and mental health settings
- 16 Years as a Consultant to the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), specializing in crisis intervention for children and families in traumatic situations
- Developer of the 72-Hour Crisis Team for AACOG’s developmental disabilities unit, implementing emergency response models for individuals in acute crisis
- Expert in Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) for Law Enforcement & Crisis Teams, using RFT to analyze, predict, and modify behavior in high-stress situations
- Trainer for Tactical Negotiators and Crisis Intervention Officers, teaching linguistic and verbal behavior strategies for conflict resolution and de-escalation
- Consultant on Crisis Decision-Making in Law Enforcement, applying RFT to enhance communication and psychological flexibility during high-pressure incidents
Academic & Professional Credentials
Dr. Gonzalez’s academic foundation is deeply rooted in behavioral science, law enforcement psychology, and crisis intervention. He has served as a tenure-track professor for 25 years, teaching in Behavior Analysis and Psychology Departments, and was the Department Chair of Psychology for seven years. His Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology specializes in Police Science, Clinical Behavior Analysis, and Addiction.
His advanced training includes:
- Training Certificates in Addiction and Neurobiological Brain Addiction Functions from Yale, Emory universities
- Postgraduate certificate from the University of North Texas in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Professional Certification in Trauma and Resilience from Florida State University
- National Certification as a Clinical Trauma Professional (IATP)
- Texas Licensed and Nationally Board-Certified as a Chemical Dependency Counselor
- Texas Licensed and Nationally Board-Certified Doctoral-Level Behavior Analyst
- Currently completing a Postgraduate Certificate from the University of Florida School of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry in Addiction and Recovery
Law Enforcement Training & Consultation
As a trusted consultant for law enforcement agencies, Dr. Gonzalez provides expert instruction and training on:
- Crisis Negotiation & Tactical Communication using Applied Behavior Analysis and RFT-based linguistic strategies for hostage negotiation teams and law enforcement crisis units
- Tactical Decision-Making in High-Stakes Situations, applying behavioral principles to enhance flexibility, situational awareness, and problem-solving under stress
- Behavioral Crisis Assessment & Intervention Models to assist officers in responding to individuals in psychological distress, trauma, and behavioral crisis
- Crisis Prevention & Intervention in Hospital Systems, focusing on reducing conflict, managing aggressive behavior, and supporting crisis stabilization
- Advanced Training in Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) for Law Enforcement, integrating ABA and RFT-based behavioral analysis into crisis resolution strategies
- Verbal Behavior Analysis for Crisis Communication, applying Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior to understand and respond to communication during crisis events
Professional Philosophy
“The S.T.A.R.S. Matrix represents the culmination of my work in crisis communication and behavioral science. I developed this system to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in the field. When officers have science-based communication tools that work in the real world, we see safer outcomes for both law enforcement and the communities they serve. My mission is to transform how officers communicate during critical incidents, giving them practical strategies that can save lives and build trust.”