The Diverge team of practitioners have developed a unique service model after many years of experience in conducting behaviour management interventions in community settings. This model was published by Todd et al in 2004 (See publications)
We use a neurobehavioural model and the practice of applied behaviour analysis. That is, we understand brain function and how injury to the brain affects behaviour. We also understand how other factors in the person’s environment can contribute to problematic behaviours. This enables us to promote positive behaviours by focussing on the person’s strengths and the right environmental supports to achieve better outcomes for individuals and those who support them.
Our approach is aligned with models such as Willer and Corrigan’s “Whatever It Takes” publication and Ylvisaker and Feeney’s “Collaborative Brain Injury Intervention” principles.
Our work may not look like traditional psychology:
- Travel: we will travel to the site in which problems are occurring so that we meet people face-to-face, develop relationships, experience the environment, and work directly with clients.
- Mode of contact: we work face-to-face with clients and others involved in a case, but also can be responsive by using phone and web-based communication (e.g., Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Skype)
- “Did not attends”: we will make every effort to engage clients, which is often difficult in complex cases with multiple diagnoses, or reduced initiative, or difficulties with memory, planning, and follow through.
Educate-Collaborate-Participate
- We educate the client and all those in contact with them (family members, staff, employers) about changes in thinking and behaviour that can follow neurobehavioural injury.
- We seek to collaborate with the client and their support people with regard to troubleshooting and intervening, and establish a unified approach (e.g., behaviour support plan, treatment approaches, proactive and reactive strategies)
- We support the client and family into life roles and look to engage natural supports (e.g., social club) rather than service supports (e.g., attendant care worker) wherever appropriate.