What is the difference between Psychology and Positive Behaviour Support?
When looking for help with emotional, behavioural, or developmental challenges, it’s common to come across services like Psychology and Positive Behaviour Support (PBS). While they may seem similar, they serve different purposes—and both can be incredibly valuable depending on a person’s needs.
Here’s a clear breakdown to help understand the difference:
🧠 Psychology
Psychology focuses on mental health, emotions, thoughts, and relationships. A psychologist helps people understand their feelings, manage stress, cope with life challenges, and build healthier relationships.
Psychology may support with:
Anxiety or depression
Trauma or grief
Relationship issues
Emotional regulation
Self-esteem or identity
Life transitions (e.g., separation, illness, parenting)
School or work-related stress
What to expect:
Psychology sessions involve talking through problems, learning coping skills, understanding emotions and needs, and developing insight. Evidence-based therapies like CBT, ACT, and mindfulness are often used.
🌱 Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
PBS focuses on understanding and managing behaviours of concern—especially for children and individuals with disabilities or developmental differences. It looks at why behaviours happen and builds practical strategies to support change.
PBS may support with:
Aggression or meltdowns
Refusing to go to school
Non-compliance or withdrawal
Unsafe behaviour in public or the car
Self-harm
Challenges with routines or transitions
What to expect:
PBS is not talk therapy—it’s behaviour-focused and often involves observing the environment, creating support plans, and working closely with families, schools, or support workers. The goal is to improve quality of life, safety, and independence.
🧩 Can Both Be Used Together?
Yes! Many people benefit from both Psychology and Behaviour Support—especially when emotional and behavioural needs are closely linked. For example, a child with school refusal may work with a psychologist for anxiety and a PBS practitioner for routines and behaviour strategies.
✔️ Which One Is Right for You?
It depends on what’s going on.
If emotional support or mental health guidance is needed → Psychology
If specific behaviours need to be managed or understood → Positive Behaviour Support
At CCT Psychology & Positive Behaviour Support, both services are available and often work side-by-side. The right support starts with understanding what’s needed—and creating a plan that fits.
