Supporting Positive Change: A Guide to Positive Behaviour Support on the Gold Coast
Hively is excited to announce that we’re now offering Positive Behaviour Support on the Gold Coast! When it comes to creating meaningful, lasting change for individuals with behavioural challenges, Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) offers a compassionate, evidence-based approach. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, educator, or support worker, understanding what PBS is—and how it can help—can make all the difference.
What is Positive Behaviour Support?
Positive Behaviour Support is a person-centred approach designed to improve quality of life and reduce challenging behaviours by focusing on understanding the reasons behind behaviour. Instead of using punishment or control-based methods, PBS aims to teach new skills, modify environments, and build supportive relationships.
Importantly, PBS is grounded in values such as dignity, inclusion, and respect. It’s about seeing the whole person—not just the behaviour—and working collaboratively to build better outcomes.
Key Principles of PBS:
-
Proactive and Preventative: Strategies are designed to prevent behaviours before they occur.
-
Individualised: No two people are the same. Consequently, PBS plans are tailored to each person’s unique needs, strengths, and goals.
-
Evidence-Based: Interventions are rooted in behavioural science and data collection.
-
Skill-Building: It focuses on teaching alternative, positive behaviours that serve the same function as the challenging ones.
-
Collaborative: PBS involves working closely with families, support workers, schools, and other stakeholders.
Who Are Positive Behaviour Support Practitioners?
PBS practitioners are trained professionals who assess behaviours of concern and develop individualised strategies to support change. These specialists might have backgrounds in psychology, social work, education, or behaviour analysis, registered under the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) with the NDIS Commission.
A good practitioner works not just for the person, but with them, along with their family and support network. They conduct behaviour assessments, develop Positive Behaviour Support Plans, and help train others in implementing strategies.
What’s Involved in a Positive Behaviour Support Plan?
A PBS practitioner includes the following in their behaviour support plan:
-
A functional behaviour assessment (FBA) to understand why the behaviour occurs
-
Goals and outcomes aligned with the person’s broader life goals
-
Strategies to prevent behaviours of concern
-
Skill-building approaches
-
Crisis response plans
-
Roles for family, support workers, and other professionals
Positive Behaviour Support on the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is home to a growing number of qualified and compassionate PBS practitioners who are making a real difference in the lives of children and adults across the region. Whether delivered in-home, at school, in community settings, or via telehealth, more providers now offer PBS services. These align with NDIS funding, making them increasingly accessible.
Our supportive team at Hively Health work with you to deliver the following:
-
Behaviour assessments
-
Development of PBS Plans
-
Training and support for families and teams
-
Ongoing plan monitoring and reviews
Finding a PBS Provider on the Gold Coast
When looking for a practitioner, consider:
-
Their qualifications and experience
-
NDIS registration status
-
Reviews or recommendations from local families
-
Their ability to build strong, respectful relationships
You can search for registered behaviour support providers through the NDIS Provider Finder or by asking for referrals from your support coordinator, allied health team, or local community networks.
Final Thoughts
Positive Behaviour Support is more than just a strategy—it’s a mindset. By choosing PBS, you’re choosing an approach that respects the person, supports their growth, and creates opportunities for lasting change. On the Gold Coast, with its vibrant community of skilled practitioners, support is close at hand.
Need Help Getting Started?
If you or someone you support could benefit from PBS, talk to your NDIS coordinator or reach out to a local behaviour support provider to learn more.
Our experienced PBS practitioners at Hively Health offer tailored PBS strategies to support individuals and teams on the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and Gold Coast. On the Gold Coast, this includes Cooloongatta to Coomera and Mt Tambourine, to name a few key areas!
Reach out today to learn how we can support you.
Alternatively, explore our full Positive Behaviour Support service. You can also read about PBS via the official NDIS website, and Raising Children.
