If you are a parent, carer, or NDIS participant, you may have come across both Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) or psychology in your plan. It’s common for families to feel unsure about the difference between the two, how each support works, and which options may be the best fit for their loved one. With so many supports available under the NDIS, it’s not always clear where to start.
While PBS and therapy can appear similar at first, they play very different roles in supporting people with disability.
In this blog, we break it down in a simple and practical way so you can better understand which support is right for your situation.
What is Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)?
Positive Behaviour Support is a person-centred approach focused on improving quality of life and reducing behaviours of concern. Instead of simply trying to stop a behaviour, PBS looks at the reason behind it, what the person may be trying to communicate or achieve. It also considers the environment surrounding the behaviour, including where and when it occurs, who is present, and other contributing factors. By understanding and modifying these environmental influences, PBS aims to reduce the likelihood of behaviours of concern occurring while supporting the person’s needs in a positive and meaningful way. PBS is commonly used to support individuals with autism, intellectual disability, psychosocial disability, or more complex support needs. A practitioner takes the time to understand the person and their environment, identifying patterns in what happens before and after certain behaviours.
From there, a Behaviour Support Plan is developed with practical, everyday strategies. This may include:
- building communication and coping skills
- making adjustments to routines or environments
- guiding families, carers, and support workers on how to respond consistently
- Identifying patterns and early warning signs that may predict these behaviours, enabling the support network to respond proactively before the person escalates and, if a crisis occurs, understand the underlying reason for the behaviour and use appropriate de-escalation strategies.
In simple terms, PBS is about creating safer, more supportive environments and helping everyday situations feel easier and more meaningful for the person.
What is Psychology?
Psychology focused on mental health, emotional wellbeing, and how a person thinks and feels. Psychologists are trained to assess and support a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and emotional regulations difficulties.
Working with a psychologist usually involved weekly therapy sessions, where individual can explore their thoughts and experiences in a safe, supportive space. Therapy may include:
- developing coping strategies
- understanding patterns of thinking
- building emotional regulation skills
While PBS looks at behaviour in everyday environments, psychology focuses more on internal experiences, helping individuals better understand and manage their thoughts and emotions.
In simple terms, psychology supports a person’s mental health and emotional wellbeing, helping them build resilience, healthier ways of coping, and internal strategies to manage emotions, thoughts, and life’s challenges more effectively.
Key Differences Between PBS and Psychology
| Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) | Psychology |
| Focuses on behaviour and environment | Focuses on mental health and emotions |
| Practical, everyday strategies | Therapeutic, conversation-based approach |
| Works closely with families and support teams | Often works one-on-one with the individual |
| Common under NDIS Capacity Building | Common under NDIS Capacity Building |
| Aims to reduce behaviours of concern in the short and long term. | Aims to improve emotional wellbeing |
Can PBS and Psychology work together?
In some cases, PBS practitioners and psychologist can work together, but this isn’t always possible under every NDIS plan. Funding is often allocated to one service or the other depending on the participant’s goals and needs and diagnosis.
Collaboration can happen when:
- both supports are included in a NDIS plan
- a participant chooses to access psychology privately
People with disability can experience both behavioural and emotional challenges, so when collaboration is possible, it can lead to more consistent and effective support.
Understanding Which Support is Right for You
Deciding between PBS and psychology often depends on your goals and the type of support you’re looking for. If the main concern relates to behaviours of concern, daily routines, or the need for practical strategies across different environments, PBS is likely to be the most appropriate starting point. It’s also important to note that if restrictive practices are in place, or there is a need to consider them, the person will require support from a Behaviour Support Practitioner and a Behaviour Support Plan.
For example, if a child often becomes overwhelmed during busy family gatherings or changes in routine, a PBS practitioner may look at what triggers this and suggest simple strategies, such as a quiet space, visual schedule, or consistent response from family and support workers.
If the focus is more on mental health, emotional wellbeing, or processing experiences such as anxiety or trauma, psychology may be more suitable.
However, it’s important to remember that you don’t always have to choose one or the other. Many NDIS participants benefit from using both services together, particularly when behaviour and mental health needs are closely linked. It is also important to advocate for both supports when they are needed. Need help Choosing the Right Support?
Understanding the difference between Positive Behaviour Support and psychology can make a real difference in how you use your NDIS plan and the outcomes you achieve.
If you’re feeling unsure about which service is right for you or your loved one, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our team is here to help you to better understand your options and identify the supports that will make the biggest impact in your life.
Get in touch with us at 08 9314 8900 or book an appointment with one of our experts.