1300 668 123
Behaviour and Allied Health Services
What is Behaviour and Allied Health?
Medical and lifestyle supports are essential to addressing the symptoms of PWS. Behaviour and Allied Health Services (BAHS) refers to a range of supports and services that are different to the medical care provided by doctors and nurses.
For people with Prader-Willi Syndrome, our Allied Health Services can involve psychologists, behaviour support practitioners, speech pathologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists.
Supports and therapies offered by our BAHS team include:
- Group and individual therapy
- Behavioural support
- Assessment
Behaviour Support Therapy
Consider the following questions in relation to behaviour:
- Do you feel like you can no longer manage your child’s outbursts?
- Do you find yourself saying “don’t …” all the time?
- Is the person hurting themselves, others or property?
- Are you late to everything because of refusal to move?
Did you think “yes that’s us!” to one or more of these?
Behaviour support aims to improve the quality of a person’s life through understanding why the person is using behaviours that are of concern for themselves, or those around them. Everything happens for a reason, and the concerning behaviour is one way of communicating what is happening for them, inside and out. Interaction’/ BAHS practitioners primarily use a set of research-based strategies used to increase quality of life and decrease problem behaviour, by teaching new skills and making changes in a person’s environment. The support combines:
- Valued outcomes;
- Behavioural and biomedical science;
- Validated procedures; and
- Systems change to enhance quality of life and reduce problem behaviours.
How can Behaviour Support help me?
Behaviour support is a group effort between the person, their carers and any other important people in their life. This could include people like their doctor, workplace, school, therapist or Support Coordinator. Interaction’s practitioners can play a role too. Our team are all skilled in behaviour support assessment and intervention, using methods that are evidence based or informed and collaboratively developed. They are able to work with you to understand the situation, build on the support networks skills and strengths and design a plan that considers the person’s unique situation. Practitioners are able to support people at all stages of life, from early childhood all the way through to ageing.
Under the NDIS, Interaction’s team of practitioners can provide support services under the support cluster ‘Improved Relationships’. There are two support items participants can ask for:
- Specialist Behavioural Intervention Support; or
- Behaviour Management Plan, training in management strategies
Some of the services and activities that can be offered under improved relationship include;
- Behaviour Assessment (and Report)
- Development of plans such as a: Behaviour Intervention & Support Plan (BISP); Incident Prevention & Response Plan (IPRP); or Skill Development Plan.
- Support with Restricted Practices Authorisation (RPA) processes
- Training in any plans or related skills/knowledge e.g. what is Prader-Willi Syndrome? What is Depression? This can be delivered to Individuals or groups.
- Skill development e.g. reward systems, developing routines, building independence, social skills, understanding and handling emotions, problem solving
- Consultation e.g. during crisis, transition
Sometimes, the family in the participant’s life (e.g. siblings, parents) also need individual support, due to the impact of the person’s situation. This could either be through developing support skills and also therapy or counselling. Therapy and counselling may be available for family members under the ‘Improved Daily Living’ support cluster. This could be for issues such as; grief & loss, bullying, stress & coping, sibling support, building resilience and health behaviour change such as sleep practices.
Consultancy
Interaction’s team of practitioners can provide all of our service options as a one off, short or longer term support, through consultancy or as a fee-paying option. Payment may come from the participant, their family, an involved service or alternative funds/schemes. This is also a useful option where other services would like to provide in-house development or to their own stakeholders.
- Individual supports e.g., crisis, transition to school, complex/multidisciplinary review, disciplinary specific considerations;
- Systemic support e.g., house practices, integration of syndrome specific practices, barriers to implementation;
- Staff training, e.g., teaching skill development, mental health, grief and loss, sibling support, introduction to positive behaviour support, restricted practices;
- Individual and/or group therapy e.g., Triple P, SibWorks, Emotion Based Social Skills Training (EBSST), REACH Wellbeing.
Interaction have training spaces of different sizes and therapy rooms available for use. We can also travel to you. Please click here to complete our Referral Form for the quickest response to your query. Alternatively, call us on 1300 668 123 or email alliedhealth@interactionservices.org.
Therapy
Interaction’s Psychologists specialise in providing individual and group therapy to children, adolescents and adults with intellectual/developmental disability, as well as their carers and support people. You or the person you care for might have significant challenges with emotion regulation and interpersonal relationships, or might be experiencing a range of emotional, behavioral and social difficulties. Our therapists are here to help support people with a variety of presentations including grief and loss, adjustment issues, depression, anxiety, stress, relationship and family breakdown and trauma.
At Interaction, we provide therapeutic interventions that are tailored to each individual client. All our interventions are evidence-based, and our therapists are flexible in their approach and responsive to client needs. We believe in the importance of generalising skills outside of the therapy room, and encourage the involvement of other support people – where appropriate – such as a support worker or family member, to assist in practicing new skills. As such, sessions can be held with an individual, a family or with the individual and a carer/family member.
Interaction’s therapists practice in line with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and relevant legislation.
There are two pathways to accessing Interaction’s Therapy services:
- Improved Daily Living Support Budget – Interaction is a registered NDIS provider and is able to provide therapy to participants with funding through their NDIS Plan. This can occur at our head office in Bella Vista, or at another location (e.g., home or school). Please note travel costs apply for therapies outside of our head office.
- Fee-for-Service – Interaction can provide therapy to clients who choose to pay for their sessions.
Training
Interaction has extensive experience providing training to professionals and carers. We can offer a standard package on a topic area, or specifically tailor and develop a training package that suits your organisations needs.
We are currently taking expressions of interest for upcoming Mental Health First Aid training sessions.
Please call 1300 668 123 or email alliedhealth@interactionservices.org to discuss your organisation’s training needs.
Why Choose Interaction for PSW Behaviour Support in Sydney?
Our Behaviour Support team consists of professional practitioners that will work with you to support your physical and emotional wellbeing. Interaction can provide a qualified PWS psychologist in Sydney that is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
With a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, our team are highly skilled in assisting individuals with disabilities and their families. Our BAHS practitioners work with people with any type of disability, including tailored PWS behaviour support in Sydney and surrounding areas.
As different people have their own behavioural challenges, we implement unique intervention and therapy plans for each individual. For people with PWS, this may involve positive behaviour supports for areas of concern, alongside methods to enhance positive psychological wellbeing. In each case, this aims to help our participants to successfully achieve their own personal goals.
Our Behaviour Support professionals work hand-in-hand with a wider support network to improve the quality of day to day living. If you have any further questions about this service, please contact the Interaction team today.
BAHS Referral
Click here to download the BAHS Referral Form
Due to the exceptional standard of Interaction’s Behaviour and Allied Health Services team, the demand for these services is always high. Therefore, we recommend that you complete and submit the referral form above.
By completing this referral form, you will receive an efficient and timely response from a Behaviour & Allied Health Services representative, who will be able to discuss your referral further. You can also contact us directly to discuss BAHS services on 1300 668 123 or fill in the form below.
Sensory Room
Our custom-built Sensory Room is an effective therapy for people with Prader-Willi Syndrome or sensory needs as it allows participants to control what is happening around them. The positive effects of our Sensory Room will often carry over to other activities in daily life, including the potential to stimulate speech, language and coordination.
Our purpose built Sensory Room features lighting, sound effects, a relaxing egg chair, interactive tactile experiences and cause and effect items. A mobile gantry hoist is also available that allows participants with PWS to access all elements within the room.
Our Sensory Room is often used by our BAHS team as a therapy tool.
Speak With a Registered PSW Psychologist in Sydney
If you’d like to find out more information about our sensory room or other Prader-Willi supports, please call us on 1300 668 123 and speak with a registered BAHS professional. The experience and qualifications of our team members are detailed below.
Kim Konowec
Practice Manager
Kim began her career in business administration, marketing and accounting and after receiving experience in each area then moved into her favourite roles in business management. She loves to work within a team and strives to achieve a positive and supporting working environment where every member of the team is supported. Kim said: ‘My goal is to create an environment that allows our clinicians to concentrate on what they do best, working with their participants to provide a high quality service and achieve the best outcomes possible.’
She loves to liaise with our clinicians, participants, families and stakeholders to improve service areas wherever possible.
Giselle Tadros
Senior Psychologist
Sydney
Giselle is a Registered Psychologist with AHPRA, an Associate Member of the Australian Psychological Society and has over 10 years of experience working with people with disability. She completed her Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) in 2008, and her Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology in 2009, at the University of Western Sydney. She is also recognised with AHPRA as a Board Approved Supervisor for Provisional Psychologists. Giselle is also a certified CPI Safety Intervention Instructor and CPI Dementia Capable Care Instructor.
Giselle has worked with a wide range of complex clients with varying diagnoses such as Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Intellectual Disabilities (mild to severe), Mental Health and Psychiatric Disorders. Challenging behaviours is an area of interest to Giselle, with her experiencing relating to complex trauma, self-injurious behaviours, communicative difficulties, aggressive behaviours, and contact with the criminal justice system. Giselle has completed Functional Behaviour Assessments, Psychometric Assessments, implemented Positive Behaviour Support Models, developed and conducted various training for carers, staff, support workers and other stakeholders as well as implemented evidence-based interventions including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Person-Centered Interventions with both children and adults.
Giselle has a passion for supporting individuals with disabilities, dual diagnoses trauma background and involvement in the criminal justice system well as their stakeholders in order to improve their quality of life.
Kimberly Herivel
Senior Behaviour Support Practitioner / Psychologist
Newcastle
Kimberly is a registered Psychologist who has been with Interaction since 2015. Individual and group therapy, supporting families, staff teams and other stakeholders, along with positive behaviour support strategies is what Kimberly’s role involves on a regular basis.
Kimberly is a registered Parenting Facilitator with ‘Circle of Security’ – a research based program focusing on the relationship between children and their parents, and how strengthening this connection can increase emotional security. She is consistently learning from peers and clients, and loves the variety of people she comes into contact with.
Kimberly has previously worked in the NFP sector in both youth homelessness and disability.
Lauren Nash
Senior Behaviour Support Practitioner / Psychologist
Central Coast
Lauren has been a member of the Interaction Team since 2007 and has almost 20 years’ experience in the public and private sectors. She has worked across education, community, accommodation, and clinical settings, and has obtained Bachelor degrees in Management and Applied Psychology, as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology. Lauren is an AHPRA registered Psychologist and an Associate Member of the Australian Psychological Society. As a member of the BAHS Team, Lauren’s key responsibilities are providing psychometric assessments and reports, positive behaviour support programs, training and implementation support, individual therapy and clinical consultation. Lauren has enjoyed working with all her clientele over the years but has a particular interest in engaging with and improving psychosocial wellness for children, young persons and their families. She has a keen interest in trauma informed practice and dual diagnostics.
Natasha Calafate
Behaviour Support Practitioner
Sydney
Natasha has a passion for helping others and has always been interested in human behaviour and mental health. Natasha is a qualified Behaviour Support Practitioner and also continues to expand her qualifications, currently studying Bachelor of Psychological Science and Counselling. After joining Interaction in 2016 her dedication and passion has enabled her to obtain a wide range of knowledge and experience within the organisation. Natasha has been working within the allied health team for a number of years now and is a valued member of the team.
Jessica Aguero
Behaviour Support Practitioner
Macarthur and Wollongong Regions
Jessica has a Bachelor of Psychological Science from the Australian College of Applied Psychology. Jessica provides person-centred services to participants with a wide variety of diagnoses. Within the BAHS team, Jessica’s key responsibilities are conducting behavioural assessments and reports, providing positive behaviour support strategies and plans and clinical consultation with key stakeholders.
Claudia Masina
Provisional Psychologist / Behaviour Support Practitioner
Sydney
Claudia is a dedicated mental health professional working towards registration as a Provisional Psychologist with AHPRA. Claudia has obtained degrees in Business and Human Resources in addition to completing Graduate level qualifications in Psychology including a Graduate Diploma in Psychology and Bachelor of Psychological Science – Honours. She is also a licensed and practicing Wellness Coach delivering coaching programs to support clients to achieve desired behavioural outcomes focused on improving personal health habits.
Claudia is highly experienced in providing quality emotional support to a diverse group of clients with a wide range of needs, through a caring and person-centred approach in all engagements. She is passionate about utilising evidence-based therapies to help improve the quality of life of her clients with a keen interest on the principles of Solution Focused Therapy to support clients attaining their goals through personal strengths and practical strategies.
Samantha Hiley
Behaviour Support Practitioner
Central Coast
Samantha has been a member of Interaction since 2011 and holds a Bachelor of Arts with an extended major in Psychology from the University of Queensland. Prior to joining the BAHS team in 2022, Samantha worked in other areas of Interaction including senior management, before following her passion to work with participants and their families to achieve their goals.
Samantha is a qualified Behaviour Support Practitioner and is currently pursuing a postgraduate certificate in positive behaviour support.
Helen Amos
Behaviour Support Practitioner
Central Coast
Helen has been an invaluable member of the Interaction team for more than 20 years. She has worked across several programs including accommodation, community and clinical settings which have provided a broad knowledge of the support networks surrounding her participants. Helen holds a BA in Community Welfare, and BA Honours 1st Class in Social Science. Her passion of working with families, particularly parents with intellectual disability inspired her research on ‘Parents with Intellectual Disability and the Child Protection Process’. Helen is a qualified Behaviour Support Practitioner and also continues to expand her qualifications, currently studying Positive Behaviour Support as a post graduate certificate. Being able to work as a team with participants and their support networks is what Helen loves most about her role.
Natasha Tmusic
Behaviour Support Practitioner
Sydney
Natasha began her career at Interaction a number of years ago as a support worker, working in direct support and gradually moving through a number of our high support programs. Natasha has extensive training and experience in working with a wide range of people with disability, and in particular those with PWS. Originally commenced a Bachelor of Medical Science and Bachelor of Social Science, Natasha discovered a passion for neuroscience, behavioural and cognitive sciences and psychology. This led Natasha to her current studies, a double degree at Macquarie University (Bachelor of Neuroscience and Bachelor of Psychology). In her current role within the BAHS team, Natasha’s key responsibilities include conducting behavioural assessments and reports, providing positive behaviour strategies and plans, training and implementation support and clinical consultation with key stakeholders.
Julie Norman
Behaviour Support Practitioner
Sydney
Julie has extensive knowledge in managing challenging behaviours and understands the importance of empathy, respect and patience in building trust and rapport with individuals. With significant experience in working with participants with dementia and her involvement in supported employment within large disability organisations, Julie is committed to creating a supportive environment that fosters personal growth and enhances quality of life.
Julie is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences and prides herself on her holistic approach to working with participants. She is deeply committed to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals for the best possible outcomes.
Sydney-Based Clinicians
Kim Konowec
Giselle Tadros
Natasha Calafate
Jessica Aguero
Natasha Tmusic
Claudia Masina
Naaz Hussain
Liam Jones
Julie Norman
Central Coast & Newcastle-Based Clinicians
Kimberly Herivel
Lauren Nash
Helen Amos
Samantha Hiley
Ashleigh Seaton
Wollongong Macarthur-Based Clinicians
Jessica Aguero