Positive Behaviour Support 101

Seeing Strengths in Support

When we think about behaviour support, it often sticks to psychology as just a discipline. But there’s a better way to look at it.

A Person-Centred Approach

Person Centred Psychotherapy focuses on the whole person. It uses a strength-based approach. This means the language is friendlier, easier to understand, and more caring.

Enjoy each moment.

What Does Support Really Mean?

Support is about helping someone. It means enabling them and walking alongside them on their journey. Support is also about listening carefully. When we listen well, we open up new possibilities.

Working Together to Find Strengths

We create plans with the people we support. Even those with profound disabilities have strengths and abilities. Instead of looking at what’s missing, we look at what’s there. People often see the glass as half-empty. But therapy helps us see it as half-full.

Celebrating What You Can Do

Focusing on your skills feels good! You can celebrate what you already have. Then we ask, how can we build on that? Positive behaviour support moves from just managing problems to encouraging growth and change.

Being Different is Okay

What seems radical or different for one person might be normal for another. Only the person and their supporters truly know what works best. Skilled therapists can help challenge and support everyone.

Every person is different, same with flowers.

Transforming Disability into Strength

Don’t underestimate ability.

Turn what some see as a disability into strength and capacity.

‘Invig-ability’ means giving energy and life to someone who might feel stuck. It’s about moving forward with new energy.

That’s the path to real change.

Dr Jo is a Counselling Psychotherapist and registered provider with the National Disability Insurance Scheme.