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
Amanda
Life was just hell!
Some days, life was just hell. My 13yr old son was on a path to self-destruction, and it felt like h...
Life was just hell!
Some days, life was just hell. My 13yr old son was on a path to self-destruction, and it felt like he was going to take us down with him. He had been having trouble settling down into a new school (we shifted from interstate), making new friends, and had an indescribable level of resentment towards me for shifting him away from his friends. Andrew was recommended to us by a colleague at work who thought he may be able to help. Andrews no nonsense approach and ability to interact with him has seen really beneficial results. Andrew has spent the time with him, out in the sunshine and away from his blessed play station, listening to him and giving him the opportunity to tell his story. Andrew has been working with him giving him the coping strategies he needs to be able to deal with the changes in his life. I have seen a wonderful improvement after just a coupe of sessions, and believe it not, he can’t wait to get back to the farm and do something different with Andrew. Thank you Andrew, I am starting to see my beautiful son coming back to me at long last. We still have a road ahead of us, but I believe we are on the right path.
Amanda
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
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.