Positive Behavior Support
Meet John.
Dr John Connolly is our friendly Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner, having joined the Thrive House team in early 2023. He likes to help clients focus on their strengths and provide creative fun ways in which they can grow their competencies.
To learn more about John and our Positive Behaviour Support service, see below:
What is a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner?
When an individual displays behaviours of concern that may prove to be a risk to themselves and others, a PBSP can help. An initial response is to develop a behaviour support plan that minimises the risk and creates safety for the person and others.
As a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner, I am registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission) to ensure people with disability receive quality services.
This may include making changes to a person’s environment and building a person’s skills to:
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Improve the quality of their life and the environment in which they live
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Reduce the likelihood of behaviours of concern or challenging behaviours
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Reduce and eliminate the need for restrictive practices
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Improve social interaction and competencies
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Undertake behaviour support assessments (including functional behaviour assessments)
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Develop positive behaviour support plans
Positive Behaviour Supports rely on core principles of practice that emphasise the importance of:
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Legal and ethical practice
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Cultural awareness
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Reflective practice
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Evidence-based practice
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Supported decision-making
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Understanding the different factors and life changes that affect behaviours of concern.
What experience and qualifications do you have?
I am currently submitting a Ph.D. thesis based on research around mental health, well-being resilience and social capital, and hope to graduate mid 2023.
I have also taught Behavioural Health classes at university and have an interest in how the social capital interacts with resilience and wellbeing. I have an undergraduate degree in biomedical science, a masters in health promotion and a graduate certificate in futures thinking. I have gained these qualifications by following my interests in psychology, psychiatry and willingness to help others.
I also have extensive volunteer experience and have worked with United Nations and Amnesty International in various countries participating in public health projects.
What approaches do you use in your practice?
I believe that positive behaviour support is fundamentally a human rights and justice issue, giving a voice to those in need and advocating for them.
"I believe it is important to be client focused and build on the strengths of the individual"
Positive behaviour strategies should be a collaborative process, listening to the needs of the client and family is vital to implement a successful positive behavioural support plan.
