Behaviour and Allied Health Services

What is Behaviour and Allied Health?

Behaviour and Allied Health (BAHS) professionals are trained experts who provide a range of therapeutic and supportive services to individual and families dealing with behavioural challenges, mental health concerns, development delays and disabilities.

Interaction’s Behaviour and Allied Health Services (BAHS) offer a range of services including positive behaviour support, assessment, counselling, and psychology services. Our team of experienced allied health professionals focus on understanding the underlying causes of challenging behaviours and work with the individual to create a customised behaviour support plan. This might involve therapy sessions, skills training, family support, or community resources, all aimed at assisting individuals to overcome their challenges. Our ultimate goal is to empower individuals to lead more fulfilling and self-sufficient lives.

Supports and therapies offered by Interaction’s BAHS team include:

Behaviour Support
Psychology
Assessment
Counselling

With the growing demand for Behaviour and Allied Health Services, our team of clinicians has recently expanded services in Wollongong, Central Coast, Newcastle, Sydney, Campbelltown and Macarthur regions.

If you or your loved one is looking for NDIS Behaviour Support or Psychology Services in these regions, fill up our referral form at the bottom of this page and our team will get in touch.

Sydney Based Clinicians

Kim Konowec

Giselle Tadros

Natasha Calafate

Jessica Aguero

Natasha Tmusic

Claudia Masina

Shannon Hernon

Liam Jones

Ashleigh Seaton

Eve Timms

Central Coast & Newcastle-Based Clinicians

Kimberly Herivel

Lauren Nash

Helen Amos

Samantha Hiley

Ashleigh Seaton

Audrey Hiley

Merrin Boulton

Natasha Tmusic

Wollongong Macarthur-Based Clinicians

Giselle Tadros

Jessica Aguero

Kylie Sauvao

Why Choose Interaction for Behaviour and Allied Health Services?

Our BAHS team of professional practitioners work with you to support your physical and emotional wellbeing.

Our psychologists are all registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Coming from a range of backgrounds and experiences, our team are highly skilled at supporting people with disability and their families.

Our BAHS practitioners work with people with any type of disability, including Prader-Willi Syndrome and their wider support network to improve the quality of day to day living. Though the behavioural challenges are different for each individual and require unique intervention and therapy plans, implementing positive behaviour supports for common issues such as challenging behaviours or behaviours of concern, as well as enhancing positive psychological wellbeing have helped our participants to successfully achieve their goals.

Behaviour Support Therapy

Consider the following questions in relation to behaviour:

Do you feel like you can no longer manage your child’s outbursts?
Do you find yourself saying ‘don’t …’ all the time?
Is the person hurting themselves, others or property?
Are you late to everything because of refusal to move?

Did you think ‘yes that’s us!’ to one or more of these?

Behaviour support aims to improve the quality of a person’s life through understanding why the person is using behaviours that are of concern for themselves, or those around them. Everything happens for a reason, and the concerning behaviour is one way of communicating what is happening for them, inside and out. Interaction’s BAHS practitioners primarily use a set of research-based strategies used to increase quality of life and decrease problem behaviour, by teaching new skills and making changes in a person’s environment. The support combines:

Valued outcomes
Behavioural and biomedical science
Validated procedures
Systems change to enhance quality of life and reduce problem behaviours

How can Behaviour Support help me?

Behaviour support is a group effort between the person, their carers and any other important people in their life. This could include people like their doctor, workplace, school, therapist or Support Coordinator. Interaction’s practitioners can play a role too. Our team are all skilled in behaviour support assessment and intervention, using methods that are evidence based or informed and collaboratively developed. They are able to work with you to understand the situation, build on the support networks skills and strengths and design a plan that considers the person’s unique situation. Practitioners are able to support people at all stages of life, from early childhood all the way through to ageing.

Under the NDIS, Interaction’s team of practitioners can provide support services under the support cluster ‘Improved Relationships’. There are two support items participants can ask for:

Specialist Behavioural Intervention Support
Behaviour Management Plan, training in management strategies

Some of the services and activities that can be offered under improved relationship include:

Behaviour Assessment (and Report)
Development of plans such as a: Behaviour Intervention & Support Plan (BISP); Incident Prevention & Response Plan (IPRP); or Skill Development Plan.
Support with Restricted Practices Authorisation (RPA) processes
Training in any plans or related skills/knowledge e.g. what is Prader-Willi Syndrome? What is Depression? This can be delivered to Individuals or groups.
Skill development e.g. reward systems, developing routines, building independence, social skills, understanding and handling emotions, problem solving
Consultation e.g. during crisis, transition

Sometimes, the family in the participant’s life (e.g. siblings, parents) also need individual support, due to the impact of the person’s situation. This could either be through developing support skills and also therapy or counselling. Therapy and counselling may be available for family members under the ‘Improved Daily Living’ support cluster. This could be for issues such as; grief & loss, bullying, stress & coping, sibling support, building resilience and health behaviour change such as sleep practices.

Consultancy

Interaction’s team of practitioners can provide all of our service options as a one off, short or longer term support, through consultancy or as a fee-paying option. Payment may come from the participant, their family, an involved service or alternative funds/schemes. This is also a useful option where other services would like to provide in-house development or to their own stakeholders.

Individual supports e.g., crisis, transition to school, complex/multidisciplinary review, disciplinary specific considerations;
Systemic support e.g., house practices, integration of syndrome specific practices, barriers to implementation;
Staff training, e.g., teaching skill development, mental health, grief and loss, sibling support, introduction to positive behaviour support, restricted practices;
Individual and/or group therapy e.g., Triple P, SibWorks, Emotion Based Social Skills Training (EBSST), REACH Wellbeing.

Interaction have training spaces of different sizes and therapy rooms available for use. We can also travel to you. Please click here to fill in the Referral Form online, or click here to download our Referral Form for the quickest response to your query. Alternatively, call us on 1300 668 123 or complete the form below.

BAHS Enquiry

Therapy

Interaction’s Psychologists specialise in providing individual and group therapy to children, adolescents and adults with intellectual/developmental disability, as well as their carers and support people. You or the person you care for might have significant challenges with emotion regulation and interpersonal relationships, or might be experiencing a range of emotional, behavioral and social difficulties. Our therapists are here to help support people with a variety of presentations including grief and loss, adjustment issues, depression, anxiety, stress, relationship and family breakdown and trauma.

At Interaction, we provide therapeutic interventions that are tailored to each individual client. All our interventions are evidence-based, and our therapists are flexible in their approach and responsive to client needs. We believe in the importance of generalising skills outside of the therapy room, and encourage the involvement of other support people – where appropriate – such as a support worker or family member, to assist in practicing new skills. As such, sessions can be held with an individual, a family or with the individual and a carer/family member.

Interaction’s therapists practice in line with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and relevant legislation.

There are two pathways to accessing Interaction’s therapy services:

Improved Daily Living Support Budget – Interaction is a registered NDIS provider and is able to provide therapy to participants with funding through their NDIS Plan. This can occur at our head office in Bella Vista, or at another location (e.g., home or school). Please note travel costs apply for therapies outside of our head office.
Fee-for-Service – Interaction can provide therapy to clients who choose to pay for their sessions.

Training

Interaction has extensive experience providing training to professionals and carers. We can offer a standard package on a topic area, or specifically tailor and develop a training package that suits your organisations needs.

We are currently taking expressions of interest for upcoming Mental Health First Aid training sessions.

Please call 1300 668 123 or email alliedhealth@interactionservices.org to discuss your organisation’s training needs.

Interaction now offers support and training for parents with intellectual disability. Click here to learn more.

BAHS Service Request

Click here to fill in the BAHS Service Request Form online

Click here to download the BAHS Service Request Form

Due to the exceptional standard of Interaction’s Behaviour and Allied Health Services team the demand is always high. By completing the Service Request form, you will be assured of an efficient and timely response by a Behaviour & Allied Health Services representative, who will discuss your request further. Alternatively, you are welcome to call us on 1300 668 123, email alliedhealth@interactionservices.org or fill in the Enquiry form below.

Behaviour Intervention Support & Disability Therapy

Interaction offer tailored behaviour intervention support for participants with unique behavioural concerns and challenges. The objective of behaviour support is to enhance an individual’s life quality by comprehending the reasons behind their concerning behaviours, which may affect themselves or others around them.

Our therapists utilise evidence-based interventions, adapting their methods and responding effectively to the specific needs of each client. This will also involve clear communication from an experienced disability psychologist.

NDIS Therapy – Working with an NDIS Psychologist

Interaction’s AHPRA registered psychologists can work with participants to promote physical and emotional wellbeing. Our therapists utilise evidence-based methods and demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness to client requirements. We aim to extend skills beyond the therapy setting and encourage the participation of support workers and family members.

Sessions can be conducted with an individual, a family, or both the individual and a carer/family member. If you are interested in BAHS related NDIS Therapy or want to work with an NDIS Psychologist, get in touch with us now via 1300 668 123.

Accessing a Disability Psychologist

Interaction offer specialist disability behaviour support in Sydney and the Central Coast.

There are two ways to access a registered disability psychologist

NDIS Plan Funding – As a registered provider, we offer therapy at our Bella Vista office or other locations (travel costs apply).
Fee-for-Service – Clients can opt for pay-per-session therapy.

Sensory Room

Our custom-built Sensory Room is an effective therapy for people with disability or sensory needs as it lets you control what is happening around you. The positive effects of our Sensory Room will often carry over to other activities in your daily life, with the potential to stimulate speech, language and coordination.

Some of the things you will find in our Sensory Room include lighting and sound effects, a relaxing egg chair, interactive tactile experiences and cause and effect items. A gantry hoist is also available allowing participants with physical disability to access elements within the room.

Our Sensory Room is often used by our BAHS team as a therapy tool. If you’d like to find out more information or make a booking, call us on 1300 668 123 or complete the enquiry form below.

Kim Konowec

Practice Manager

Kim began her career in business administration, marketing and accounting and after receiving experience in each area then moved into her favourite roles in business management. She loves to work within a team and strives to achieve a positive and supporting working environment where every member of the team is supported. Kim said: ‘My goal is to create an environment that allows our clinicians to concentrate on what they do best, working with their participants to provide a high quality service and achieve the best outcomes possible.’

She loves to liaise with our clinicians, participants, families and stakeholders to improve service areas wherever possible.

Giselle Tadros

Senior Psychologist

Sydney and Wollongong

Giselle is a Registered Psychologist with AHPRA, an Associate Member of the Australian Psychological Society and has over 10 years of experience working with people with disability. She completed her Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) in 2008, and her Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology in 2009, at the University of Western Sydney. She is also recognised with AHPRA as a Board Approved Supervisor for Provisional Psychologists. Giselle is also a certified CPI Safety Intervention Instructor and CPI Dementia Capable Care Instructor.

Giselle has worked with a wide range of complex clients with varying diagnoses such as Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Intellectual Disabilities (mild to severe), Mental Health and Psychiatric Disorders. Challenging behaviours is an area of interest to Giselle, with her experiencing relating to complex trauma, self-injurious behaviours, communicative difficulties, aggressive behaviours, and contact with the criminal justice system. Giselle has completed Functional Behaviour Assessments, Psychometric Assessments, implemented Positive Behaviour Support Models, developed and conducted various training for carers, staff, support workers and other stakeholders as well as implemented evidence-based interventions including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Person-Centered Interventions with both children and adults.

Giselle has a passion for supporting individuals with disabilities, dual diagnoses trauma background and involvement in the criminal justice system well as their stakeholders in order to improve their quality of life.

Kimberly Herivel

Senior Behaviour Support Practitioner / Psychologist

Newcastle

Kimberly is a registered Psychologist who has been with Interaction since 2015. Individual and group therapy, supporting families, staff teams and other stakeholders, along with positive behaviour support strategies is what Kimberly’s role involves on a regular basis.

Kimberly is a registered Parenting Facilitator with ‘Circle of Security’ – a research based program focusing on the relationship between children and their parents, and how strengthening this connection can increase emotional security. She is consistently learning from peers and clients, and loves the variety of people she comes into contact with.

Kimberly has previously worked in the NFP sector in both youth homelessness and disability.

Lauren Nash

Senior Behaviour Support Practitioner / Psychologist

Central Coast

Lauren has been a member of the Interaction Team since 2007 and has almost 20 years’ experience in the public and private sectors. She has worked across education, community, accommodation, and clinical settings, and has obtained Bachelor degrees in Management and Applied Psychology, as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology. Lauren is an AHPRA registered Psychologist and an Associate Member of the Australian Psychological Society. As a member of the BAHS Team, Lauren’s key responsibilities are providing psychometric assessments and reports, positive behaviour support programs, training and implementation support, individual therapy and clinical consultation. Lauren has enjoyed working with all her clientele over the years but has a particular interest in engaging with and improving psychosocial wellness for children, young persons and their families. She has a keen interest in trauma informed practice and dual diagnostics.

Natasha Calafate

Behaviour Support Practitioner

Sydney

Natasha has a passion for helping others and has always been interested in human behaviour and mental health. Natasha is a qualified Behaviour Support Practitioner and also continues to expand her qualifications, currently studying Bachelor of Psychological Science and Counselling. After joining Interaction in 2016 her dedication and passion has enabled her to obtain a wide range of knowledge and experience within the organisation. Natasha has been working within the allied health team for a number of years now and is a valued member of the team.

Jessica Aguero

Behaviour Support Practitioner

Macarthur and Wollongong Regions

Jessica has a Bachelor of Psychological Science from the Australian College of Applied Psychology. Jessica provides person-centred services to participants with a wide variety of diagnoses. Within the BAHS team, Jessica’s key responsibilities are conducting behavioural assessments and reports, providing positive behaviour support strategies and plans and clinical consultation with key stakeholders.

Claudia Masina

Provisional Psychologist / Behaviour Support Practitioner

Sydney

Claudia is a dedicated mental health professional working towards registration as a Provisional Psychologist with AHPRA. Claudia has obtained degrees in Business and Human Resources in addition to completing Graduate level qualifications in Psychology including a Graduate Diploma in Psychology and Bachelor of Psychological Science – Honours. She is also a licensed and practicing Wellness Coach delivering coaching programs to support clients to achieve desired behavioural outcomes focused on improving personal health habits.

Claudia is highly experienced in providing quality emotional support to a diverse group of clients with a wide range of needs, through a caring and person-centred approach in all engagements. She is passionate about utilising evidence-based therapies to help improve the quality of life of her clients with a keen interest on the principles of Solution Focused Therapy to support clients attaining their goals through personal strengths and practical strategies

Samantha Hiley

Behaviour Support Practitioner

Central Coast

Samantha has been a member of Interaction since 2011 and holds a Bachelor of Arts with an extended major in Psychology from the University of Queensland and a Behaviour Support Certificate. Prior to joining the BAHS team in 2022, Samantha worked in other areas of Interaction including senior management, before following her passion to work with participants and their families to achieve their goals.

Samantha is a qualified Behaviour Support Practitioner and is currently pursuing a postgraduate certificate in positive behaviour support.

Helen Amos

Behaviour Support Practitioner

Central Coast

Helen has been an invaluable member of the Interaction team for more than 20 years. She has worked across several programs including accommodation, community and clinical settings which have provided a broad knowledge of the support networks surrounding her participants. Helen holds a BA in Community Welfare, BA Honours 1st Class in Social Science, and a Behaviour Support Certificate. Her passion of working with families, particularly parents with intellectual disability inspired her research on ‘Parents with Intellectual Disability and the Child Protection Process’. Helen is a qualified Behaviour Support Practitioner and also continues to expand her qualifications, currently studying Positive Behaviour Support as a post graduate certificate. Being able to work as a team with participants and their support networks is what Helen loves most about her role.

Natasha Tmusic

Behaviour Support Practitioner

Sydney

Natasha began her career at Interaction a number of years ago as a support worker, working in direct support and gradually moving through a number of our high support programs. Natasha has extensive training and experience in working with a wide range of people with disability, and in particular those with PWS. Originally commenced a Bachelor of Medical Science and Bachelor of Social Science, Natasha discovered a passion for neuroscience, behavioural and cognitive sciences and psychology. This led Natasha to her current studies, a double degree at Macquarie University (Bachelor of Neuroscience and Bachelor of Psychology). In her current role within the BAHS team, Natasha’s key responsibilities include conducting behavioural assessments and reports, providing positive behaviour strategies and plans, training and implementation support and clinical consultation with key stakeholders.

Ashleigh Seaton

Behaviour Support Practitioner

Sydney and Central Coast

After graduating from Macquarie University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Psychology with first-class Honours, Ashleigh began working with Interaction as a Behaviour Support Practitioner. She is also a Research Coordinator on trials at Macquarie University, which aim to improve treatment outcomes for those with anxiety across the lifespan.

Kylie Sauvao

Behaviour Support Practitioner

Wollongong

Kylie is a dedicated practitioner with over 6 years’ experience in the disability sector and a background in nursing and aged care. She is passionate about assisting people with disability and about advocating for the rights and well-being of individuals with mental health challenges. Her goal is to empower participants, ensuring they receive respect, dignity, and opportunities. She thrives in creating inclusive environments that foster positive outcomes for individuals and their families based on a strong foundation, empathetic care and support.

Merrin Boulton

Behaviour Support Practitioner

Central Coast and Newcastle

Merrin is a qualified Behaviour Support Practitioner with a Bachelor of Education and is registered with NESA. After a 24-year teaching career and working extensively to support children with disabilities in the classroom, she has decided to follow her passion to work directly with participants and their families to achieve their goals in their homes and the community.

She is particularly interested in ADHD, ASD, Cerebral Palsy and intellectual disability. Merrin is deeply committed to enhancing the quality of life for children and young people with disabilities by collaborating closely with their families and stakeholders.

Shannon Hernon

Behaviour Support Practitioner

Sydney

Shannon is an experienced professional in the Child Protection field, boasting four years of dedicated service, including three years with the Department of Community Services (QLD) and one year with AXIA Solutions, working directly with FACS (NSW). She has also completed significant work experience, totaling 950 hours at Child Safety (QLD) and 1,000 hours at Moving Forward (Domestic Violence, NSW). Shannon holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Griffith University and is currently a Behavioural Support Practitioner, where she applies her extensive background and training to support individuals.

Eve Timms

Behaviour Support Practicioner

Sydney

Eve is a qualified Behaviour Support Practitioner with a passion for supporting people with disability to flourish. Eve holds a double degree in Psychology and Neuroscience and received First Class Honours in Psychology from the University of Sydney. Using her expertise in psychology and neuroscience and experience in mental health and behaviour therapy, Eve demonstrates her strong dedication to enhancing people’s lives and offering compassionate, evidence-based support.