When a person with disability is experiencing challenges with behaviour, emotional regulation, communication, or everyday life, families and support teams are often unsure whether they need a Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Practitioner, a psychologist, or both.
The good news is that it’s not about choosing one over the other. In many cases, Positive Behaviour Support Practitioners and psychologists work together to provide the best possible outcomes for the individual and those who support them.
Understanding the different roles can help families, carers and support coordinators access the right support at the right time.
What is a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner?
A Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner works with people who display behaviours of concern that may impact their quality of life, independence, relationships or participation in everyday activities.
Using an evidence-based and person-centred approach, PBS Practitioners seek to understand why behaviours occur and what needs the person may be communicating through those behaviours.
Rather than focusing solely on reducing behaviours, PBS focuses on improving quality of life by helping people develop skills, increase independence and strengthen their support networks.
A PBS Practitioner may:
- Assess factors contributing to behaviours of concern
- Develop Behaviour Support Plans
- Work with families, carers and support workers
- Identify environmental or communication barriers
- Build coping, communication and emotional regulation skills
- Support the reduction of restrictive practices where appropriate
- Help create positive and sustainable support strategies
The goal is to help a person thrive in their home, school, workplace and community.
What does a psychologist do?
Psychologists focus on understanding a person’s thoughts, emotions, mental health and behaviour.
They are trained to assess and support a wide range of psychological and emotional challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, adjustment difficulties and emotional wellbeing.
Psychologists use a variety of therapeutic approaches to help people better understand and manage their emotions, thoughts and experiences.
A psychologist may:
- Assess mental health and emotional wellbeing
- Provide counselling and therapy
- Support anxiety, depression and trauma recovery
- Help develop emotional regulation strategies
- Conduct psychological assessments
- Support social and relationship skills
- Work with individuals, families and carers
Their focus is often on helping individuals understand and manage internal emotional and psychological experiences.
How do the roles differ?
While there is some overlap, the primary difference is what each professional is aiming to address.
A psychologist generally focuses on a person’s mental health, emotions and psychological wellbeing.
A Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner focuses on understanding behaviours of concern within the person’s environment and support systems, while building practical strategies that improve everyday outcomes and quality of life.
For example, if a young person is experiencing frequent distress at school, a psychologist may help them understand and manage feelings of anxiety. A PBS Practitioner may work with the family and school to identify triggers, adjust supports, improve communication strategies and create environments that better meet the person’s needs.
Both approaches are valuable, and together they can provide a more complete picture of the person’s strengths, challenges and goals.
Why working together delivers the best outcomes
The most effective support often happens when psychologists and Positive Behaviour Support Practitioners collaborate.
By working together, they can address both the emotional and environmental factors that may be contributing to behaviours of concern.
This collaborative approach can help:
- Improve quality of life
- Strengthen emotional wellbeing
- Build communication and coping skills
- Support families and carers
- Reduce behaviours of concern
- Increase independence and participation
- Create consistent strategies across home, school, work and community settings
Importantly, it means everyone is working towards the same goal: helping the individual live the life they want to lead.
Supporting families and carers
Families and carers play a vital role in supporting a person’s development and wellbeing.
Both psychologists and PBS Practitioners work closely with families to understand what’s happening, provide guidance and create practical strategies that can be used in everyday life.
This collaborative support can help reduce stress, build confidence and ensure everyone feels supported throughout the journey.
How LiveBig can help
At LiveBig, our Positive Behaviour Support Practitioners work alongside individuals, families, carers, support coordinators and allied health professionals to develop personalised strategies that improve quality of life and help people achieve their goals.
Where appropriate, we also collaborate with psychologists and other members of a person’s support team to ensure coordinated, holistic and person-centred care.
Whether you’re seeking support for a child, teenager or adult, our experienced team can help identify the right approach and build strategies that create meaningful and lasting change.
Need support?
If you, a family member or a participant you support could benefit from Positive Behaviour Support, we’d love to help. Get in touch with us today.
Contact LiveBig today to learn more about our Positive Behaviour Support services or submit a referral. Together, we can help create positive outcomes for individuals, families and support networks.
