What It’s Like Being a Psychologist and Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner

Wearing Two Hats – Understanding Behaviour Support and Psychology Through a Dual Role

As a psychologist and positive behaviour support (PBS) practitioner working in our Caringbah-based clinic, I often describe myself as wearing two hats—but both are grounded in one shared purpose: helping people live more meaningful, independent, and fulfilling lives. My work brings me into contact with a diverse range of individuals, including neurodivergent children and adults, people living with trauma or disability, and their families and support teams. Many of the individuals I support are NDIS participants who experience emotional, behavioural, or cognitive challenges in their daily lives.

In my role, psychology and behaviour support may appear to function in separate spheres. However, I have come to understand that these disciplines deeply inform and enrich each other. Together, they create a more holistic, person-centred approach to helping individuals thrive—emotionally, socially, and functionally.

The Psychologist Role – Supporting Mental Health

When I work as a psychologist, my focus is often on mental health and emotional wellbeing. My clients may be experiencing anxiety, low mood, grief, trauma, or difficulty with self-regulation or self-esteem. I also support parents, carers, and families, helping them understand how to connect with and respond to their loved ones in compassionate, informed ways.

My psychology work involves:

• Conducting psychological assessments to better understand cognitive strengths, developmental profiles, and mental health conditions
• Delivering trauma-informed therapy
• Supporting clients with emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, grief, and self-identity
• Providing psychoeducation and tools that build resilience and confidence
• Helping families manage stress and learn strategies that support wellbeing

In therapy sessions, my goal is always to create a safe and validating space. I aim to help clients explore their thoughts and feelings, reflect on their experiences, and develop meaningful strategies for coping and growth. It’s not about giving advice; it’s about empowering people to better understand themselves and build on their strengths.

We offer services under NDIS, Medicare, private health insurance, and other funding streams. If you’re unsure what you’re eligible for, our friendly team can guide you.

Learn more about our psychology services here. 

The Behaviour Support Practitioner Role – Supporting Daily Functioning

In my role as a behaviour support practitioner, I work primarily with individuals who experience behaviours of concern that impact their safety or wellbeing. These behaviours might include aggression, self-injury, absconding, or withdrawal. My work is not just about supporting the individual—it also involves empowering their families, support workers, and formal supports through training, coaching, and ongoing collaboration.

Some of the core components of behaviour support include:

• Functional Behaviour Assessments (FBAs) to understand the “why” behind behaviours
• Positive Behaviour Support Plans (PBSPs) that are strengths-based and trauma-informed
• Training and capacity building for parents, carers, and support workers
• Proactive and reactive strategies to manage and reduce behaviours of concern
• Skill-building goals to increase independence, communication, and engagement
• Collaboration with schools, support workers, and allied health teams for a wholistic approach

We offer PBS services to children, teens, and adults, both in the home and community. These services are often funded under the NDIS.

Explore our behaviour support services. 

How the Two Roles Complement Each Other

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is being able to bridge the psychological and behavioural worlds. Behaviour is never just behavioural. Emotional wellbeing, trauma, neurobiology, and life experiences all influence how someone moves through the world. That’s why integrating psychology with behaviour support can be so powerful. Having training in both disciplines means I can:

• Recognise when a behavioural challenge has emotional or psychological roots
• Use trauma-informed strategies to address both internal and external experiences
• Tailor interventions that support both cognitive and behavioural goals
• Work with clients on both their mindset and their environment

For example, a child might be displaying aggression at school. From a PBS perspective, we might assess the triggers and help implement structure or communication tools. But as a psychologist, I’m also curious about what’s happening emotionally—perhaps the child is anxious, overwhelmed by sensory input, or responding to past trauma. By integrating both lenses, we can address the whole person, not just their behaviours.

Why This Work Matters

We live in a world that often misunderstands behaviour and underestimates the power of emotional connection. By combining psychological insight with practical behavioural strategies, I believe we can help people not only function better but also feel better—about themselves, their relationships, and their futures.

Every person I work with teaches me something new. Whether it’s a child learning to express their feelings with words, or an adult rediscovering their sense of self-worth, the impact of this work is both personal and profound.

What a Session Might Look Like

Each session is tailored to the client’s age, communication style, and individual goals. For children, sessions may involve play-based techniques, visuals, or storytelling to build emotional awareness and coping skills. With teens and adults, we often focus on open conversation, guided reflection, and practical skill-building.

When providing behaviour support, I typically observe the individual in their home or community setting, gather input from families and support workers, and collaborate closely with allied health professionals. Together, we develop positive behaviour support plans that include clear, person-centred strategies designed to reduce behaviours of concern and promote skill development.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the difference between psychology and behaviour support?

A1: Psychology focuses on mental health, emotional wellbeing, and cognitive support. Behaviour support targets behaviours of concern by understanding their causes and teaching safer, functional alternatives.

Q2: Can I access both psychology and behaviour support services under the NDIS?

A2: Yes. Many NDIS plans include funding for both services under categories like Improved Daily Living and Improved Relationships.

Q3: Can I claim psychology sessions through Medicare?

A3: Yes. With a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates for psychology sessions.