Positive Behaviour Support in Hervey Bay: Meet PBS practitioner and psychologist Tracy Campion

Looking for NDIS Positive Behaviour Support or psychology services in Hervey Bay? Make an online referral anytime, click here to get started.

I have the pleasure of introducing Tracy Campion, Behaviour Support Practitioner and Registered Psychologist in Hervey Bay, Queensland. Tracy supports NDIS participants throughout the Wide Bay—Burnett region, providing person-centred and evidence-based care. Tracy values connection and views the therapeutic alliance as the most powerful tool for change.

Meet Tracy Campion, Behaviour Support Practitioner and Psychologist in Hervey Bay

Hi Tracy, we’re excited to have you on our team in Hervey Bay! Tell us about you!

I moved to Hervey Bay in 2023 after living in Wollongong, NSW, for 20 years. My family and I had been planning on moving to Hervey Bay for a few years before that. We all loved the idea of the great weather and the relaxed lifestyle that it could offer us.

I finished my psychology degree at the University of Wollongong in 2007 and then went through two years of training to become a Registered Psychologist. I worked with the NSW Government Disability Service before the NDIS commenced and then worked within the NDIS. I have had wonderful mentors throughout my career who have supported me with my growth and development.

I am an experienced Specialist Behaviour Support Practitioner and Senior Psychologist. I worked in regional NSW in the Southern Highlands for 16 years and have continued to support people in the Southern Highlands via telePBS since my move interstate. What I am excited about now is having the opportunity to commence face to face work on the ground in my new local community. This community is amazing and the people are so friendly and welcoming.

You’re an Advanced/Specialist Behaviour Support Practitioner. What does this mean?

Being an Advanced Behaviour Support Practitioner means I have extensive experience in specialised interventions tailored to support people across a range of situations. I love a good challenge and supporting people with all levels of complexity.

You completed tertiary qualifications in psychology — what drew you to this field?

I have a passion for understanding human behaviour. I was drawn to the field out of curiosity about why people act the way they do. I describe it as being like a detective. You get the opportunity to gather information and then put all the pieces together to form the bigger picture.

If you think about your 16 years in the disability sector, what is a key lesson you’ve learnt and how does this influence your approach to supporting individuals?

The key lessons that I have learnt are that clients' families and supporters know their situations the best and they are the key to allowing me to understand what is most important to them. All clients, families and supporters are different and working on what is important for each individual situation is definitely the key.

Positive Behaviour Support in Hervey Bay

How would you describe Positive Behaviour Support?

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is an approach to supporting behaviour change. It is an evidence-based approach that supports increasing skills and modifying the environment to better meet the needs of a person.

It is anticipated that by increasing skills and modifying the environment that there should be a reduction in behaviours of concern. PBS is a way to support a person to get their needs met without having to engage in behaviours of concern.

First, the practitioner needs to seek to understand the behaviour by getting to know the person and the people who support them and understanding the person’s goals and needs. The practitioner will seek to understand the context of the behaviour and the possible reasons behind the behaviour of concern. Once the context and reasons for the behaviour are well understood, a behaviour support practitioner can develop and provide training strategies to support change. This gives the person alternative ways to have their needs met.

What would you say is a common misconception about PBS?

The one that stands out the most for me is the idea that Positive Behavior Support uses bribes to convince individuals to behave in a different manner. Many view PBS as an intervention for negative behaviours, when in reality, PBS is a proactive and positive framework.

Do you focus on supporting NDIS participants with specific diagnoses or of certain age groups in the Wide Bay—Burnett region?

I love working with a variety of clients across different ages and with different diagnoses. I have experience working with clients as young as three to clients aged in their 70’s. I support NDIS participants with intellectual disability, acquired brain injuries, dementia, ageing and cognitive decline, autism, schizophrenia and a range of mental health diagnoses. I have experience in complex care and situations with multiple stakeholders.

Psychology support for NDIS participants in Hervey Bay

As a Registered Psychologist in Hervey Bay, what services do you offer NDIS participants?

As a Registered Psychologist working with people with disability for many years I have learnt that mainstream psychological interventions need to be modified to suit the abilities of a person with a disability. Under the NDIS, the intervention must focus on a person’s quality of life, including their independence, ability to carry out day-to-day tasks and community participation.

Which types of psychology assessments can you help NDIS participants with?

I can provide psychometric assessments to determine level of cognition and adaptive functioning. These include assessments like Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC V), Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS IV) and Adaptive Behaviour Assessment Scale (ABAS 3). I can also provide other specialist assessments however it’s best to discuss this at the time of referral.

Positive Behaviour Support and Psychology for NDIS participants in Hervey Bay

Where do you provide Positive Behaviour Support and Psychology in Hervey Bay?

I can provide Positive Behaviour Support services across the Fraser Coast. Behaviour Support services are provided at a place that suits you either in the community, your home, school, work or day program.

The Fraser Coast is part of the Wide Bay-Burnett region and includes Burrum Heads, Howard, Maryborough, Bauple and more.

If a participant lives outside of Hervey Bay, are you able to provide Positive Behaviour Support or psychology services?

If NDIS participants are seeking support outside of the Fraser Coast local area it’s best to have a chat and see if it’s a possibility. I can also provide services Australia-wide via telehealth.

How to get started with NDIS Positive Behaviour Support or psychology in Hervey Bay

How can NDIS participants in Hervey Bay get started with Positive Behaviour Support or psychology services?

The first step is to make a referral for Positive Behaviour Support or psychology on our website. You can do this anytime and you can make your own referral, or a member of your support team can make a referral on your behalf.

If you have any questions about Positive Behaviour Support or psychology, please feel welcome to call our team on 1300 694 625 or send a message using our contact form.

Life in Hervey Bay, QLD

What do you love most about living in Hervey Bay?

My family and I moved up to Hervey Bay QLD as Wollongong was getting too busy for us with traffic and loads of people. I love that the area is generally quieter than the big cities. The biggest draw card though was the weather and the lifestyle. The weather is amazing as it’s nice and warm most months of the year. I love fishing and the ocean and it's just beautiful. I can go fishing at the Urangan Pier and it actually feels like I am on holiday. I went on my first whale watching cruise this year and they are amazing.

Can you tell us about accessible recreational activities or tourist attractions in Hervey Bay?

The Fraser Coast is committed to fostering accessibility across the region. Numerous attractions cater to varying abilities, ensuring an inclusive experience for all. The Fraser Coast Regional Council has invested in two wheelchairs specially designed to facilitate beach access. These wheelchairs are free for hire. Most tourist operators offer wheelchair-accessibility so all abilities can access recreational activities such as whale watching tours and K’gari. The Fraser Coast has two all-abilities playgrounds, one at Pialba Beach and one in Maryborough.

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Further information

About Ability Consultants

Ability Consultants is a Registered NDIS Provider in Queensland. We create freedom and social connection through easy access to Positive Behaviour Support and psychology. We support NDIS participants throughout NSW, QLD, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia.

More information about Positive Behaviour Support

• What is Positive Behaviour Support?
• What is an NDIS Positive Behaviour Support plan?
• NDIS funding and Positive Behaviour Support

More information about NDIS plans and psychology

• NDIS plans and psychology
• What are cognitive assessments and how can they help NDIS participants?
• NDIS psychology fees
• Which NDIS funds can you use for psychology?

NOTE: This information is intended as a guide only, and should not be intended as medical advice. Always seek the advice of a qualified physician or health provider, regarding any questions you have about a medical condition.