About The CALMER Approach Framework

 

In summary, CALMER is an integrated practice framework for providing the right level of support at the right time. 

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At the core CALMER believes that:

• the environment is the primary focus of change and not the person.

• both feelings and thoughts influence human interactions differently.

• everyone needs to feel safe, connected, heard and understood to succeed.

• everyone is included regardless of ages, genders, cultures, environments, disability or ability.

• everyone's perspective matters to feel safe and engage safely.

• it is imperative that everyone feels heard and understood emotionally and cognitively.​

 

The CALMER Approach Framework is the practical understanding and application of the relationship between neuro-behaviour science as a way to understand the person first and then their interactions (behaviours). CALMER stands for: Cortex, Amygdala, Limbic, Memory and Emotional Regulation.

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CALMER is relational, co-designed, constructive and living model for building capacity. It seeks to wholistically understanding human behaviour from the perspective of the relationship between emotions and interactions. It is culturally sensitive, neuro-affirming and respectful of diversity.

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How did CALMER come about?

The model was born out of providing supporting with people with disability, however, it is inclusive of everyone. We believe everyone shares and empathize with CALMER.

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CALMER emerged as a neuro-affirming and evidence-informed framework grounded on building capable environment and co-designing therapeutic support as an alternative choice.

 

CALMER focuses on: 

• building capable environments through training and education

• co-designing therapeutic support

• understanding the person first and then their behaviour

• understanding the relationship between emotions and interactions

• changing the environment and not the person.

• ensuring everyone feels safe, connected, heard and understood

• finding shared meaning and co-planning support and strategies.

• utilising knowledge translation to bridge the gap between theory and practice when supporting people requiring Co-designed Therapeutic Support (Positive Behaviour Support).

 

What influences CALMER's evidence-informed practice framework?

• neuro-behaviour sciences

• trauma informed practices

• biopsychosocial model

• collaborative problem solving

• characteristic of a capable environment

• person-centred approaches in particular person centred active support

• low arousal approach

• positive behaviour support

 

CALMER Framework to ensure equality and equity 

• Co-design

• Meaningful participation and engagement

• Capacity building

• Safe relationships 

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CALMER co-designed processes to maximize engagement and meaningful participation

• Finding Shared Meaning

• Co- Planning

• Plan Activation

• Shared Learning.

 

These processes are practical and accessible for the purpose of developing and fostering equality and equity. It facilitates emotional empathy and authenticity. It focuses on the environment as the primary focus for change. 

 

CALMER's Critical Analysis Process

Aims to

• first and foremost, to understand the person and then their interaction in context.

• understand the person's perspective as to why the unsafe interaction occurred.

• understand the relationship between emotional regulation and interaction (safe or unsafe).

• determine whether the unsafe interaction was the problem or the consequence of the problem. unsafe interactions often occur due to a chain of events.

• approach each situation as unique and with open minded.

• understand the root causes, chain of events and contributing factors for each episode.

• learn from each episode to review or develop new strategies.

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The process seeks to sensitively support the person and those in their natural environments to learn, understand, formulate and explain the relationship between emotional regulation and interactions (behaviours).