When a loved one is experiencing behaviours of concern or challenging behaviours, it can be difficult to know where to turn for support. Families are often introduced to multiple professionals and services, but understanding who does what, and which support is the right fit, can feel confusing.
One question that often comes up for families and NDIS participants is who is the best person to help with behaviours of concern? Psychologists and Behaviour Support Practitioners both fall into this basket but which professional is most appropriate, and how do these roles differ? We dive into this below, to help you gain a better understanding of what supports would benefit your person most.
What Psychologists typically do
Psychologists play a critical role in assessing and supporting mental health. Their work typically includes:
- Diagnosing mental health conditions
- Providing therapy and counselling
- Conducting cognitive and diagnostic assessments
- Treating trauma, mood disorders, and personality disorders
- Maintaining a clinically and internally focused approach
In short: Psychology = “Let’s treat your mental health.”
What NDIS Behaviour Support Practitioners typically do
Positive Behaviour Support takes a complementary approach, focusing on understanding behaviour in context and providing strategies that improve daily life. BS practitioners typically:
- Work closely with the individual, their family, and support staff
- Seek to understand what function the behaviour serves
- Develop evidence-based plans that improve quality of life
- Work to reduce restrictive practices
- Focus on environmental adjustments and skill building
Simply put: Behaviour Support = “Let’s understand what this behaviour is communicating and redesign the environment so the person doesn’t need it.”
When might Behaviour Support help?
Positive Behaviour Support may help when behaviours are impacting a person’s quality of life, safety, relationships, independence, or ability to participate in everyday activities.
Families may seek Behaviour Support when a loved one is experiencing:
- Behaviours of concern
- Emotional regulation difficulties
- Aggression, self-injury or behaviours linked to distress
- Distress linked to communication barriers
- Challenges accessing the community, school or daily routines
- Behaviours linked to sensory overwhelm
- Restrictive practices within supports
Positive Behaviour Support focuses on understanding why behaviours may be occurring and developing practical strategies that better support the individual, their family and their environment.
Where Psychology and Behaviour Support Overlap
For many NDIS participants, the most effective outcomes occur when a Psychologist and a Behaviour Support Practitioner collaborate within a multidisciplinary team. Each discipline brings a different but complementary perspective to understanding and supporting the individual.
Psychologists provide expertise in mental health assessment, therapy, and cognitive functioning. Behaviour Support Practitioners focus on understanding the function of behaviours, identifying environmental triggers, and developing practical strategies that support skill development and reduce behaviours of concern.
When these professionals work together, they can ensure that both psychological factors and environmental influences are carefully considered. This collaborative approach allows teams to develop more comprehensive support plans that address the individual’s needs from multiple angles.
For participants, families and support teams, this means strategies that are not only clinically informed but also practical and sustainable in everyday environments such as home, school, work, and the community.
Why Choose Plus Behaviour Support
At Plus Behaviour Support, our NDIS Behaviour Support Practitioners are highly experienced and leaders in the field. We provide tailored, person-centred and evidence-based Behaviour Support strategies that:
- Enhance quality of life for participants
- Support families and carers with practical, sustainable solutions
- Ensure compliance with NDIS standards and best practice
We currently provide NDIS Behaviour Support services across Sydney and Newcastle and welcome referrals from families, disability providers, and allied health professionals.
👉 If you are looking for Positive Behaviour Support or NDIS Behaviour Support, contact our team to discuss how we can support your participant or loved one.
E: cel.frenchsforest@plusdisability.com.au
P: 0438 428 039