When behaviours are severely disruptive at home or school (example, would be considered a behaviour disorder), we offer a more intensive intervention that is both targeted and collaborative, and can include school based professionals.

This intervention is called behaviour therapy. The behaviour therapy is implemented by a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA).

Our BCBA specializes in decreasing challenging and dangerous behaviours and teaching safe and easily understood replacement behaviours. She is also held to the professional and ethical standard of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.

Behaviour therapy uses the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) to decrease problem/unexpected behaviours and teach socially significant adaptive ones.

Through the use of behavioural principles, the goal is to decrease problem/unexpected behaviour (e.g., aggression, self-injury, property destruction) through teaching appropriate replacement behaviours (e.g., communication, distress tolerance skills). 

Behaviour therapy will benefit your child or teen by teaching them how to communicate and tolerate emotional distress more effectively, prioritizing their safety and those around them, which in turn can allow for increased independence and self-confidence.

The process of behaviour therapy begins with observations and clinical interviewing.

The information gathered from the observations and interviews allows the behaviour therapist to begin manipulating the environment to stop challenging behaviours. An important part of this work is to learn the context that is reinforcing your child/teen’s behaviour.

An intervention plan is then developed and individualized to the needs of the situation.

This process typically takes between 1-5 hours depending on the complexity of behaviours. 

We involve all relevant caregivers in treatment. Not only do we explain to any relevant caregivers how they should respond to challenging behaviours, we also help caregivers practice responses through feedback.

Our psychologists offer functional assessments of your child’s behaviour. A Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA) helps determine which behaviours are concerning and identify the purpose of the behaviours.

Identifying these behaviours helps the psychologist to develop a Behaviour Plan to improve behavioural difficulties in the home and at school. 

YES! Our BCBA will give suggestions on how to change the environment both initially and throughout treatment to better support your child/teen (e.g., lowering expectations until we can teach the appropriate skills).

Our practice focuses on creating safe environments as quickly as possible before teaching more complex skills. 

Intervention can range from 2 to 8 months. The exact duration depends on frequency of sessions, severity of problem/unexpected behaviours, caregiver involvement, and your child/teen’s initial language, imitation, and instruction following skills.