Empowering Positive Change

A Social Worker’s Guide to Effective Behaviour Support Strategies

As a social worker, one of the most important aspects of our work is helping people manage their behaviour in a positive and effective way. We know that behaviour can be difficult to change, but with the right strategies and support, positive change is possible.

Positive behaviour support strategies are a vital tool in helping people manage their behaviour. These strategies are designed to identify the underlying causes of behaviour and develop effective interventions to support positive change. Here are some effective behaviour support strategies that can help you to empower positive change.

1. Positive reinforcement: Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for behaviour change. This strategy involves rewarding positive behaviour in order to increase the likelihood of it being repeated. This can be as simple as offering praise or a small reward when someone engages in positive behaviour.

2. Functional behaviour assessments: Functional behaviour assessments are used to identify the underlying causes of behaviour. This involves looking at the antecedents (what happens before the behaviour), the behaviour itself, and the consequences (what happens after the behaviour). By understanding the function of the behaviour, we can develop effective interventions to address it.

3. Person-centered planning: Person-centered planning is an approach that focuses on the individual’s needs, preferences, and strengths. This involves working with the individual to identify their goals and develop strategies to achieve them. By focusing on the individual’s strengths and preferences, we can develop interventions that are more likely to be effective.

4. Collaborative problem-solving: Collaborative problem-solving involves working with the individual and their support system to develop effective solutions to behaviour challenges. This approach recognizes that behaviour change is a collaborative effort, and involves working together to identify and implement effective interventions.

5. Environmental modifications: Environmental modifications involve changing the environment in order to support positive behaviour. This can include changes to the physical environment, such as providing a quiet space for someone who is easily overwhelmed, or changes to the social environment, such as providing social support to someone who is struggling.

These are just a few examples of the many effective behaviour support strategies that social workers can use to empower positive change. By using these strategies, we can help individuals to manage their behaviour in a positive and effective way, and support them in achieving their goals.

About the Author

Angela DuBeck therapist

Angela N. DuBeck

Angela is a Mental Health Clinical Social Worker who is passionate about people, their potential, and their well-being.

Angela attended Temple University’s School of Social Work and holds a Master’s Level Clinical Social Work degree and is a Registered Social Worker within Prince Edward Island.

Angela has experience working with children (ages 4+), youth, teens, and adults, with a variety of different mental health concerns and diagnoses – more specifically ODD, CD, ADHD, trauma, PTSD, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, Bipolar Disorder, personality disorders, self-esteem, stress, and many other concerns that may inhibit one’s life to be lived to its full potential.

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