Positive Behavioural Support (PBS)
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a collaborative, evidence-based framework designed to enhance quality of life, emotional wellbeing, and participation across home, school, and community settings. Rather than viewing behaviours as problems to be eliminated, PBS focuses on understanding what behaviour communicates - recognising that all behaviour serves a purpose and reflects underlying needs, emotions, or environmental factors.
This approach helps individuals, families, and support networks build insight into why behaviours occur and what can be done to promote positive, lasting change in ways that are respectful, empowering, and sustainable.
Our Approach at Psychology Centre Newcastle
At Psychology Centre Newcastle, PBS is delivered through a neuroaffirming and trauma-informed lens that values each person’s unique neurology, communication style, and sensory profile. Our clinicians seek to understand how factors such as sensory sensitivities, executive functioning, emotional regulation capacity, and interpersonal stress influence behaviour and wellbeing.
We emphasise:
Co-regulation and safety – helping individuals feel calm, connected, and understood.
Environmental predictability – supporting clear routines and reducing stress through structure and consistency.
Skill development – building communication, coping, and emotional regulation strategies that support autonomy and confidence.
Collaboration – working with families, educators, and community supports to ensure cohesive, compassionate care across environments.
The PBS Process
PBS planning is collaborative and person-centred. It involves identifying meaningful goals, understanding triggers and unmet needs, and developing proactive supports that reduce stress and enhance wellbeing. Intervention focuses on:
Creating environments that support the person’s sensory, emotional, and social needs
Building new or replacement skills that serve the same function as behaviours of concern
Using proactive, educative, and relationship-based strategies rather than punitive or compliance-driven methods
The Benefits of PBS
PBS helps individuals and families to:
Understand the purpose and function of behaviour
Develop emotional regulation and communication skills
Reduce stress and conflict at home, school, or work
Create environments that support wellbeing and independence
Strengthen relationships and increase participation in meaningful activities
Through Positive Behaviour Support, Psychology Centre Newcastle aims to foster connection, enhance participation in valued activities, and promote emotional and behavioural regulation. PBS is about helping people feel safe, understood, and supported to live authentically and confidently in their world.
