In recent years, Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) has become an essential framework for supporting individuals with disabilities, challenging behaviours, and complex needs. On the Sunshine Coast, this approach is gaining traction as more families, service providers, and individuals recognise the transformative potential of PBS. Dana Breadsell, a registered psychologist and Advanced Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner, whose expertise and commitment to ethical, person-centred care are at the forefront of her practice.
In this blog, we will explore what Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is, how it can help individuals and families, and how Dana’s unique skills are making a significant impact in the Sunshine Coast community. Whether you’re seeking behaviour support for children, adults, or individuals with complex conditions, Dana’s approach ensures a holistic, strengths-based solution tailored to the specific needs of each person.
What is Positive Behaviour Support?
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a person-centred approach designed to improve the quality of life for individuals with behavioural challenges. Rather than focusing solely on addressing the behaviour itself, PBS aims to understand the underlying causes of these behaviours and develop proactive strategies to support positive change.
The PBS framework involves:
Understanding the Function of Behaviour
By assessing the underlying reasons why a person engages in challenging behaviour, PBS practitioners can identify triggers, unmet needs, or external factors contributing to the behaviour.
Developing Positive Strategies
Once the function of the behaviour is understood, evidence-based strategies are implemented to reduce or replace negative behaviours with more adaptive responses.
Enhancing Quality of Life
PBS goes beyond behaviour management. It focuses on creating environments that promote skill development, independence, and overall well-being.
Reducing Restrictive Practices
Where possible, PBS aims to reduce the use of restrictive practices, promoting dignity and choice for the individual.
PBS is widely used for individuals with autism, intellectual disabilities, acquired brain injuries, and other complex needs. It focuses on building a deep understanding of each individual’s strengths and preferences, providing support that is ethical, sustainable, and practical.
Dana Breadsell’s Expertise in Positive Behaviour Support on the Sunshine Coast
Dana Breadsell is a highly qualified and experienced psychologist based on the Sunshine Coast. With a Master of Applied Psychology (Health) from the University of Queensland, Dana has built a career rooted in behavioural science and health psychology. She is a registered Health Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and holds an endorsement as an Advanced Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner. Her qualifications and years of experience have made her a leader in the field of PBS on the Sunshine Coast.
Dana’s journey began with a Bachelor of Nursing from the University of Western Sydney in 1994, followed by a Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) and a Graduate Diploma in Psychology from the University of New England. Her academic background, coupled with her hands-on clinical training, has allowed Dana to develop a comprehensive understanding of both physical and mental health conditions and their impact on behaviour.
Her extensive experience delivering psychological and PBS services to NDIS participants of all ages, from children to adults, has equipped Dana with the skills to support a wide variety of conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Intellectual Disability (ID), Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), and rare genetic conditions such as Angelman Syndrome and Fragile X Syndrome.
Why Choose PBS on the Sunshine Coast?
The Sunshine Coast, known for its relaxed lifestyle and beautiful surroundings, is also home to many individuals with disabilities and complex needs. As the demand for specialised support services increases, PBS has emerged as a crucial approach to meeting these needs. Whether it is providing behaviour support for children or offering behaviour intervention support for adults, PBS is an adaptable, evidence-based solution for promoting positive behavioural change.
In particular, Dana’s approach to PBS therapy on the Sunshine Coast stands out for its person-centred focus. She works closely with families, individuals, and support teams to design tailored behaviour support plans that reflect the unique needs and preferences of each individual. With a deep understanding of the latest PBS methodologies, Dana creates practical, achievable strategies that enhance communication, reduce restrictive practices, and foster independence.
Behaviour Support for Children and Adults on the Sunshine Coast
Dana’s practice includes behaviour support for children and adults, each of whom may present with different needs and challenges.
Behaviour Support for Children Sunshine Coast
Children with autism, intellectual disabilities, or other developmental conditions may display behaviours that are challenging for both themselves and their families. PBS provides a structured framework to understand the root causes of these behaviours and create effective, positive strategies for change.
For children, PBS might include:
Functional Behaviour Assessment
Identifying triggers for challenging behaviours, such as communication difficulties, sensory overload, or unmet needs.
Skill Development
Teaching new, positive behaviours and skills that help children navigate social interactions, school environments, and daily tasks.
Parental Support and Education
Empowering families with the tools to manage behaviours effectively at home and in the community.
Dana’s work with children on the Sunshine Coast also includes close collaboration with teachers, carers, and other support workers to ensure that PBS strategies are consistently applied across all settings.
Behaviour Support for Adults Sunshine Coast
Adults facing behaviours of concern often experience additional complexities, especially in environments like Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs). PBS offers an invaluable framework for supporting adults with complex needs in these settings, focusing on enhancing independence, dignity, and well-being.
For adults, PBS might involve:
Personalised Behaviour Support Plans
Focusing on an individual’s strengths, preferences, and goals to create a tailored plan that addresses challenging behaviours and promotes positive change.
Capacity Building
Empowering support teams and families with the skills to implement strategies effectively and support individuals in maintaining autonomy and independence.
Holistic, Collaborative Approach
Working alongside other professionals and care teams to ensure a consistent and coordinated approach to behaviour support.
Dana has extensive experience in delivering behaviour support to adults with disabilities, particularly in SIL environments and aged care settings, where her knowledge of complex health conditions and behaviours is crucial.
Challenging Behaviours Support: Dana’s Approach
Challenging behaviours can range from aggression and self-injury to social withdrawal or refusal to participate in activities. Identifying the underlying reasons for these behaviours is critical to providing effective support. Dana’s approach to challenging behaviours is grounded in the principles of PBS, focusing on understanding the function of the behaviour, reducing the use of restrictive practices, and enhancing quality of life.
Dana’s PBS services include:
Behavioural Assessments
Comprehensive assessments to identify why certain behaviours occur and the factors influencing them.
Proactive Strategies
Developing strategies to prevent challenging behaviours by modifying the environment, teaching new skills, and increasing communication.
Collaborative Support
Working with families, carers, teachers, and other professionals to implement PBS strategies consistently across different environments.
Why PBS is a Vital Service for the Sunshine Coast Community
The Sunshine Coast is a diverse community, with people of all ages and abilities seeking support for behavioural challenges. As an Advanced Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner, Dana Breadsell provides invaluable assistance to individuals and families facing these challenges. By offering evidence-based, person-centred PBS services, Dana helps empower individuals to lead more independent, fulfilling lives.
Whether you are seeking behaviour support for children, adults, or individuals with complex conditions, Dana’s approach offers a compassionate, ethical, and practical solution. With a deep understanding of health psychology, behavioural science, and the latest PBS techniques, Dana is committed to improving the lives of those she works with on the Sunshine Coast.
Conclusion
Positive Behaviour Support on the Sunshine Coast is not just about addressing behaviours; it’s about improving lives. By focusing on the underlying reasons for behaviour, Dana Breadsell provides personalised, ethical support that is tailored to the unique needs of each individual. With extensive experience across various disabilities, conditions, and age groups, Dana is a trusted PBS practitioner who empowers individuals, families, and support teams to create lasting, positive change.
If you are seeking behaviour support on the Sunshine Coast, whether for a child or an adult, Dana Breadsell offers a compassionate, evidence-based approach that focuses on enhancing independence, communication, and overall quality of life. By working together, you can help individuals lead more fulfilling, independent lives, free from the limitations of challenging behaviours.
