Parenting is no easy task. Occasionally, children may throw temper tantrums—much to their parents’ dismay. When a child’s behaviour regularly disrupts their classroom, unhinges their family’s harmony and constantly interrupts their ability to learn, the help of a behaviour analyst may be needed. This is why the Open Door introduced the Applied Behavioural Consulting service—to answer parents’ appeals for help.
What is Applied Behavioural Consulting?
Applied Behaviour Consulting is an opportunity for parents to meet with a qualified behaviour analyst to:
- discuss their child’s challenging behaviour,
- receive recommendations and strategies to help manage their child’s behaviour and,
- attend further follow-up sessions.
“Almost every household faces varying degrees of challenges,” says Nathalie Khousam, The Open Door’s Coach and Board Certified Applied Behaviour Consultant. “A consultation with a professional may help alleviate these challenges and associated stress.”
According to a Statistics Canada 2020 survey, “two in three Canadian parents were very or extremely concerned about managing their children’s behaviours, stress levels, anxiety and emotions.”
Who is Applied Behavioural Consulting for?
“We’re here to empower parents, and provide strategies for parents, whose children are struggling with challenging behaviours; low-motivation, disorganization, daily routines, and difficulty completing their homework.”
“The aim is to help reduce daily stressors, and create more balance and wellness in the home,” says Nathalie.
Why is Applied Behavioural Consulting so effective?
The strategies used in an applied behaviour consulting session come from applied behaviour analysis (ABA), which are proven, evidence-based methods to change, and ultimately improve, behaviour. “Motivation drives behaviour ,” says Nathalie. “As a behaviour analyst, I use a variety of methods and techniques to bring about desired changes.”
How our AB Consulting works:
To help families get started, we offer an initial consultation for a deposit of $100 with Nathalie. In this one-on-one meeting, she will gauge the scope and size of the child’s behaviour challenges. Based on this consultation, Nathalie will recommend the Basic, Standard or Enhanced package, each varying in the amount of effort and support needed.
More extensive packages include multiple sessions for parents to practice strategies between meetings. A follow-up meeting allows parents to discuss progress, make adjustments and celebrate success!
A few tips from Coach Nathalie
One of Nathalie’s tips to inspire behaviour change is, the “reinforcement” method, which can take on many forms. The most common way is through incentives and treats (e.g., trip to McDonalds, stickers, or a new toy).
Social praise, is another way to encourage change. “Behaviour-specific praise” is proven to be a more effective than just praise. Instead of saying, good job, you can say, good job getting started on your homework right away!
For more ideas, check out Nathalie’s blog post, Five Ways To Motivate Your Child.
If you’re interested in finding out more about The Open Door’s Applied Behaviour Service, visit the Applied Behaviour Consulting page.
Open Door blog links listed in this post and others may find useful are:
Five Ways To Motivate Your Child
Do you have any homework tonight?
Are you listening to your child with your full attention?
Mindset: The Psychology of success
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