What is Behavioural Therapy?
‘Behavioural therapy is still a relatively new practice in Australia, however it is widely recognised internationally. The role essentially involves bringing about positive changes in behaviours, through the development of behaviour plans and education. A behaviour therapist would have qualifications in psychology, social science, or behavioural science, and then also have specialised training in applied behavioural analysis’
How does behavioural therapy work?
‘Behavioural therapists teach a child how to behave appropriately to get what he/she needs, and to restore confidence, self-worth, independence and self-esteem in a child. A behavioural therapist will work with the child to analyse the function or reason behind the challenging behaviour. From this, they will create a behaviour plan that will include how to manage that challenging behaviour in each environment. The behaviour plan will also include techniques on how to reward and recognise the behaviours we want to see, and encouraging further correct responses. For example, if a child is biting for attention, the therapist will work with the child to utilise a more appropriate behaviour to fulfil the function, such as tapping an adult on the arm. A behavioural therapist might also look for gaps in a child’s development and teach the skills necessary to fill those gaps. By having access to every appropriate way of achieving our wants and needs, challenging behaviours no longer have any purpose’
Who is Kasia Palko?
We are proud to welcome Kasia Palko, Behavioural Specialist and Early Child Educator to our Empowering Wellness Centre.
Kasia is a compassionate and committed behavioural specialist. She is passionate about supporting and guiding children with developmental, emotional and behavioural difficulties, and bringing about positive and lasting changes to children and their families.
Her creative and intuitive play-based approach aims to nurture children’s imagination, creativity and inner will. Kasia utilises observation and creative implementation to support your child and family in facing any difficulties or challenges, including but not limited to:
• Pre-school and school associated difficulties, such as learning, structure, friendship and anxiety
• Parenting strategies and struggles
• Family breakdown and communication issues
• Grief and loss
• Trauma
Through her behavioural observations of children, Kasia develops creative behavioural management systems to assist children in interacting with their environment, families and peer groups, in order to help each individual child reach their highest potential.
How to make an appointment:
Consultations are offered Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm. Initial consultations run for 90 minutes, and cost $195. Subsequent appointments run for 60 minutes, and cost $159. Consultations are held at Empowering Wellness Burleigh Heads and also at Kasia’s home-based clinic, in professional consultation rooms, via phone or Skype, or in the comfort of your own home.
Call us today to book or to get more information. Feel free to share this information with your loved ones.
Read Kasia’s Article on The importance of social and emotional development during preschool years:
The Incredible Years
Whether it’s with their grades, learning transitions or communication, a child who is socially and emotionally engaged with their peers will always perform better. The 2020 school year has begun for children of all ages, and yet you might have noticed that your child is struggling, especially if they are preschool aged. Your child’s ability to manage their emotions and behaviours can be tough in this age group, especially because they are navigating new routines and relationship structures, as well as navigating the world of friendships and peer engagement. Studies show that socially competent children are more confident and academically successful than those with poor social skills. Now is really the time to encourage socialisation and friendship with others in order to boost your child’s academic potential for the years to come.
If you suspect that your child might be struggling with making friends and adapting to the school-based schedule, I recommend booking in to see a Child Behavioural Specialist. My creative, play-based approach utilises observation and creative interaction to support your child through any difficulties, which include preschool associated difficulties like learning, friendship and anxiety.
Sources: Webster-Stratton, C., & Reid, M. J. (2004). Strengthening social and emotional competence in young children—The foundation for early school readiness and success: Incredible Years Classroom Social Skills and Problem-Solving Curriculum. Infants & Young Children, 17(2), 96-113, and Pahl, K. M., & Barrett, P. M. (2007).Pahl, K. M., & Barrett, P. M. (2007). The development of social–emotional competence in preschool-aged children: An introduction to the fun FRIENDS program. Journal of Psychologists and Counsellors in Schools, 17(1), 81-90.
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