NDIS & Other Co-Designed Therapeutic Support Services

 The CALMER Approach Limited is a non-for-profit organization and registered NDIS provider for:

• 0110 Behaviour Support

• 0118 Early Childhood Supports

• 0128 Therapeutic Supports

The CALMER Approach team has experience with working with people across the lifespan in a wide range of diagnostic groups. Please contact us to discuss if working with us is an option for you in your circumstances.

Why don't we use "Assessment" in CALMER?

CALMER approach understands that knowing what something is and understanding what it means are two different things. Therefore, CALMER takes each situation as unique, and seeks to include everyone’s perspective. In CALMER, this process is not called an “assessment” rather it is “Finding Shared Meaning”. A practitioner facilitates this process, which supports the person and those around them to share their goals and have ownership of the plan and outcomes. This differs from an expert 'assessor' who views and articulates from their own perspective.

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An empathetic approach is adopted in understanding the person from their lived experience, current daily living and goals for the future. Blending neuroscience concepts like polyvagal theory add depth to understanding and ability to respond. One of the key components is to look at the person's ability to feel safe (Limbic system) and their ability to emotionally regulate (Cortex) in response to triggers.

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The process is guided by collaborative gathering of information, including detailed qualitative and observational data. Quantitative data is collated where required, or already available in the natural environment. The key people around the person form part of the assessment, as well as environmental triggers. The process occurs in the natural environments for the person, and the person is an integral part (co-design). ​The co-designed process explores where the person might be at emotionally and cognitively at the time of interactions (behaviours).  

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​Within this process, unsafe interactions are critically analysed to consider whether the person’s interactions are the problem, or a consequence of a problem. This differs from a traditional assessment question to understand what is the ‘function’ of a behaviour. By seeking only for a ‘function’, we perhaps make the assumption that all human behaviour is deliberate and intentional. Neuroscience highlights that we function differently and interact differently under different stress circumstances.

What is an 'Unsafe Interaction'?

CALMER chooses alternate terminology to reflect that all humans interact with one another and their environment. While behaviour belongs to a person, interactions take into account the complex role of others and the environment. In understanding whether something would benefit from support, we look at whether an interaction between the person and their environment (including both physical and social) is safe or unsafe.  

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Co-Planning and Plan Activation

CALMER Approach can form the basis for support at all levels, ensuring the person and others feel safe. Therapeutic strategies are co-designed and co-planned based on individuals needs and circumstances to ensure feeling safe from a nervous system perspective.

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CALMER Approach focuses on supporting the goals of the person, so plans are targeted to be both practical and functional, fitting in with their life and priorities, not diagnostic boxes. The information can be developed into formal reporting (Behaviour Support Plans) as well as person centered training and practical advice tailored to each setting.

One of the key features of the CALMER approach is co-regulation support strategies. This is training for the person and those who support the person to understand the regulation needs and enable the person to regulate their emotions and interactions/behaviours.

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With CALMER, support doesn't end with the report, we work with you to ensure the plan is active and working in your environment, and help to build capacity to ensure everyone feels safe.

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