Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is about more than responding to behaviours of concern. It’s about understanding the person behind the behaviour, identifying what they may be communicating, and creating practical strategies that support greater independence, connection and quality of life.
At Thrive House, our Positive Behaviour Support team, led by Dr John, works alongside participants, families and support networks to understand the reasons behind behaviours of concern and develop individualised strategies that create meaningful, lasting outcomes.
“All behaviour is communication. If we listen carefully, people will tell us what they need.”
— Edward Carr
What is Positive Behaviour Support?
Positive Behaviour Support takes a person-centred approach to understanding behaviour. Rather than simply trying to stop a behaviour, PBS looks at why the behaviour may be happening and what can be done to better support the person.
Our team develops individualised Positive Behaviour Support Plans that focus on each person’s strengths, needs and goals. Strategies may help build communication and life skills, increase independence, strengthen relationships and create a safer, more supportive environment.
PBS can benefit children, adolescents and adults living with disability who experience behaviours of concern.
The benefits of Positive Behaviour Support
A well-designed PBS approach can help:
- Reduce behaviours of concern in a positive and proactive way
- Improve communication and everyday life skills
- Build confidence and independence
- Strengthen relationships with families and support networks
- Create safer and more supportive environments
- Reduce the need for restrictive practices, where applicable
- Help people participate more meaningfully in their everyday lives
Most importantly, PBS is about creating strategies that work with the person, rather than simply focusing on the behaviour.
Working together for better outcomes
Positive Behaviour Support works best when everyone involved in a person’s life understands the strategies and feels confident putting them into practice.
That’s why our team works collaboratively with participants, families, support workers and other members of a person’s support network. By sharing knowledge and working towards common goals, we can create consistency across different environments and everyday situations.
Practical, hands-on training
As part of our PBS service, we provide face-to-face training for people who support the participant. This practical approach helps families and support workers understand the strategies in their individualised behaviour support plan and learn how to apply them confidently in real-life situations.
We also create tailored training videos for families and support workers. These videos provide clear information about a participant’s individual behaviours, support needs and recommended strategies, helping everyone stay informed and consistent.
Meet our PBS Practitioners
Our PBS team brings a range of skills, experience and perspectives to supporting people with disability.
Leticia Crehan – Practitioner
Originally from Brazil, Leticia brings a diverse perspective to her work and values culturally responsive support. She has a particular interest in psychosocial disabilities and the relationship between mental health, behaviour and quality of life.
Leticia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychological Science and is currently completing her Honours year, further developing her skills in psychological research and applied clinical practice.
Caitlin Burns – Practitioner
Originally from New Zealand, Caitlin graduated from university in Wellington and is passionate about supporting people with disability to achieve meaningful, person-centred outcomes.
She has experience working with children, adolescents and adults with a range of complex support needs, including autism, intellectual disability, ADHD and behaviours of concern.
Hannah Easdale – Practitioner
Hannah brings a caring, creative and person-centred approach to her role. She values building positive and trusting relationships with the people she supports and those around them.
With experience working with children and a commitment to continually developing her knowledge of behaviour, Hannah works closely with participants, families and support services to understand each person’s individual needs.
Helping people thrive through understanding
Positive Behaviour Support starts with listening, understanding and looking beyond the behaviour to identify what a person may be communicating.
At Thrive House, we believe that when participants, families and support networks work together, positive change is possible. Through personalised strategies, practical training and ongoing collaboration, our PBS team helps people build skills, strengthen relationships and work towards a better quality of life.
Let’s build positive outcomes together.
If you would like to learn more about Thrive House Positive Behaviour Support services or make a referral, our team would love to hear from you.
