Behavioural Support
Positive Role Modelling
Behavioural Support is a purposeful approach to equipping young people with the relationships, experiences, resources, and opportunities they need to develop into capable and successful adults.
We recognise that Positive Behavioural Support can enhance outcomes for young people and, when integrated into existing interventions, can strengthen their overall effectiveness.
Positive Behavioural Support fosters:
- Physical and psychological safety
- Supportive and trusting relationships
- A sense of belonging
- Positive social norms
- Opportunities for skill development
- Appropriate structure and guidance
- Collaboration between family, school, and community networks.
Supportive relationships are critical for adolescent development. For youth, these include their relationships with parents, grandparents, role models such as teachers, coaches, and other people they spend significant time with. Mentoring and positive role modelling is often recommended for adolescents as a way to provide a positive relationship with a caring adult.
In some cases, those who are closest to us though are unfortunately unable to help due to the nature of our relationship. Likewise, a person external to the family unit can have greater results in reaching the teenager and being able to help work through the issues at hand.
Our key strategies when providing behavioural support to teenagers
Establish a supportive relationship: We build a trusting and non-judgmental relationship with the teenager. Show empathy, active listening, and genuine interest in their concerns and experiences.
Set clear expectations: We clearly communicate our expectations regarding behaviour, boundaries, and responsibilities. We ensure that the teenager understands the consequences of their actions, both positive and negative.
Reinforce positive behaviours: We recognise and praise positive behaviours, achievements, and efforts. We provide specific feedback to reinforce desired behaviours and encourage them to continue making progress.
Teach problem-solving skills: We help teens develop problem-solving skills to handle challenges effectively. We encourage them to identify problems, explore possible solutions, and evaluate the outcomes. We support them in learning from mistakes and finding constructive solutions.
Encourage self-expression: We create a safe space for our teens to express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns. We encourage them to share their experiences and actively listen without judgment. We validate their emotions and help them find healthy ways to express themselves.
Teach emotional regulation: Adolescence is a time of emotional upheaval. We help our teenagers identify and regulate their emotions in constructive ways. We teach them techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, journaling, or engaging in physical activities to manage stress and strong emotions.
Foster independence: We support our teenagers in developing independence and decision-making skills. We encourage them to take responsibility for their actions, make informed choices, and learn from the consequences. We offer guidance when needed, but allow them to learn from their experiences.
Provide a structured environment: We establish routines and clear expectations to create a structured environment. This helps teenagers develop a sense of predictability and stability, reducing anxiety and promoting positive behaviours.
Collaborate with parents and caregivers: We work closely with parents or caregivers to ensure consistency in behavioural expectations and strategies. We share insights, progress, and concerns to foster a holistic approach to support the teenager.
See What Our Customers Are Saying
Roger
Learning to gain control
My son Brendan has always had what I would term, a quick temper. As he reached his teenage years and...
Learning to gain control
My son Brendan has always had what I would term, a quick temper. As he reached his teenage years and throughout puberty, this escalated out of control, constantly lashing out at his mother, other siblings and myself. The problem reached boiling point when he was suspended from school for assaulting another student. This was a massive low point for us, and a turning point for Brendan. We were desperate to find some help and hopefully a solution for him. After we had seen a phycologist and a couple of other counsellors, a family friend told us about the Behaviour Management and Equine Therapy programs that Andrew was running. We thought, what have we got to loose?
Brendan has spent 3 x 90 minute sessions with Andrew so far over the last month and we are definitely seeing signs of improvement. We have longer periods of calm and control as well as less episodes of lashing out at others in the household.
I would be foolish to believe that everything was going to be all good now, we are only in the early days, although, there are some very promising early signs there. I have to thanks Andrew for his professional nature and “take no nonsense” attitude, it is certainly proving effective with Brendan so far. I hope to be coming back in another couple of months with an update and more positive news. Thanks Andrew
Roger
Jenny
Detention! Again!
Seriously, what have I done wrong? I was called up to the school again this week, Adam had been susp...
Detention! Again!
Seriously, what have I done wrong? I was called up to the school again this week, Adam had been suspended AGAIN for bullying other students. I was at my whit’s end. The school chaplain suggested that Adam needed a strong male role model in his life (no Dad in the picture) and that Andrew may just be able to help. Well, we are only just two sessions into the program, I’m amazed that we have made it this far because Adam swore he was never going back, but after some perseverance, and a second session with Andrew, we appear to have had a little win. Adam is actually quite excited to return so I am extremely grateful. I am under no illusions, we have a road ahead of us, although, so far, Andrew has really made an impression and I look forward to getting my Son back. This is currently a work in progress, although I am happy with what I am seeing so far.
Jenny
Hami S
Introduction
My time with Ben and Andrew was very informative and helpful.
Introduction
My time with Ben and Andrew was very informative and helpful.
Hami S
Name Withheld
Rough start to life
My nephew, I’ll call him Peter for the benefit of this, has had a pretty rough start to life, growing...
Rough start to life
My nephew, I’ll call him Peter for the benefit of this, has had a pretty rough start to life, growing up in a household where both parents were heavy drug users and alcoholics. I have been told by Peter that it was not unusual for strangers to come and go from the house, at times spending the night, sometimes with him or his sister. Peter had told his parents what had happened, although nothing was done about it. Eventually, Peter confided in me, and now, after quite a tumultuous period with Child Safety and the Police, Peter and his sister now live with me.
Peter is now 15, and struggles with the demons that life had dealt him in his early years, causing him to act out, rebel, and at times be very aggressive. His school guidance officer suggested I find a program for him and recommended Andrew. So far we have had four sessions with Andrew, two of these in the Counselling Office, and the last two out on the farm, spending some time with Andrew and the animals.
What a difference so far. Peter really looks up to Andrew and constantly talks about what he did, how he fed the horses, cleaned up poop (love that bit) and comes home just glowing with excitement. Andrew, thank you for bringing my nephew back to ground and we look forward to continuing on this journey with you.
