
Working with participants who display behaviours of concern or challenging behaviours can be challenging for any professional. As a support worker, you may find yourself in a position where you need to pick your battles carefully. It can be tempting to react to every problematic behavior, but doing so can be counterproductive and ultimately harm your relationship with the participant. Here are some tips on how to navigate these situations.
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Prioritise safety: Your first concern should always be the safety of yourself and others. If a participant’s behaviour poses an immediate danger, it’s essential to take appropriate action to protect everyone involved. This could mean calling for help or referring the participant to another service provider who is better equipped to handle the situation.
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Choose your battles: Not every behavior is worth addressing. Some behaviors may be annoying, but ultimately harmless. Ask yourself whether the behaviour is affecting the participant’s progress or well being, or just annoying you! Is it worth addressing, or should it just be let go?
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Consider the context: Behaviour that is concerning in one context may not be in another. It’s important to understand the context of the behaviour and approach it with empathy and understanding.
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Address the behaviour, not the person: It’s essential to separate the behaviour from the person. When addressing a concerning behaviour, focus on the behaviour itself, not the participantt as a person. Avoid making judgments or assumptions about the participant’s character or personality. Remember, the behaviour does not define the person.
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Use positive reinforcement: When a participant displays behavior that you want to encourage, provide positive reinforcement. This could be as simple as acknowledging the behaviour and expressing appreciation for it. Positive reinforcement can be a powerful motivator and help reinforce positive behaviour.
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Seek support: Working with participants who display behaviours of concern can be stressful and emotionally taxing. Seek support from colleagues, supervisors, or professional organisations. It’s essential to take care of yourself so that you can provide the best possible care to your clients.
Picking your battles when working with participants who display behaviours of concern is essential for building a positive and productive therapeutic relationship. Prioritise safety, choose your battles carefully, consider the context, address the behavior, not the person, use positive reinforcement, and seek support when needed. By following these tips, you can help your participants make progress while also maintaining your own well-being