What do I look for in a therapist such as a Behaviour Therapy Practitioner
- kerolos8
- Jan 14
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 15
Choosing a Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Practitioner (often called a "Behaviour Therapist" in the NDIS) is different from choosing a Speech or OT professional. Because they work with complex "behaviours of concern," the focus is on safety, ethics, and family coaching.
Here is what you should look for to ensure you find a high-quality practitioner:
1. NDIS "Suitability" Level
In Australia, all behaviour practitioners must be assessed by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. They are graded based on their experience:
Core: Entry-level, works under supervision.
Proficient: Can work independently with most participants.
Advanced/Specialist: High-level expertise for very complex or high-risk situations.
What to do: Ask the provider, "What is the practitioner’s NDIS suitability level?" If you have complex needs, you generally want someone at the Proficient level or higher.
2. Their Professional "Base" Degree
Behaviour support is a multidisciplinary field. Practitioners often come from different backgrounds, and their "base" degree will influence how they work:
Psychologists: Focus on mental health, trauma-informed care, and emotional regulation.
Occupational Therapists: Focus on sensory triggers (e.g., loud noises causing meltdowns) and environment.
Social Workers: Excellent for family dynamics and systemic issues.
Special Educators: Strong at teaching new skills and classroom-based strategies.
3. "Person-Centred" vs. "Compliance" Focus
A good practitioner should focus on Quality of Life, not just "stopping" a bad behaviour. Look for someone who uses Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) rather than outdated "reward and punishment" systems.
The Red Flag: If they only want to work with the participant behind a closed door.
The Green Flag: They want to watch the participant in their natural environment (home/school) and spend significant time training you and your support workers.
4. Restrictive Practice Expertise
If the participant uses "restrictive practices" (like locked doors, seatbelt buckles, or sedation for travel), the practitioner must be from a Registered NDIS Provider.
They are legally required to create a plan to reduce these restrictions over time.
Ask: "How much experience do you have with Restrictive Practice Authorisation (RPA) in our state?"
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