Positive Behaviour Support Robina: Meet Victoria Ruiz, PBS practitioner on the Gold Coast
Looking for Positive Behaviour Support in Robina, QLD? We have PBS practitioners on the Gold Coast, supporting communities from Coolangatta and Burleigh Heads to Helensvale and Coomera. Make a referral anytime on our website.
Today we are pleased to introduce Victoria Ruiz, PBS practitioner in Robina, Queensland. Victoria supports the Gold Coast community with Positive Behaviour Support. Victoria draws upon her education and experience in psychology, social work and psychotherapy to deliver person-centred Positive Behaviour Support.
Meet Victoria Ruiz, Behaviour Support Practitioner in Robina, Gold Coast
Hi Victoria, tell us about you!
I am an Argentinian-Brazilian psychotherapist currently pursuing a master's degree in social work at Griffith University. I provide bilingual psychotherapy and behaviour support in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, supporting culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations.
I have always been interested in exploring different cultures and discovering new narratives about life. I have backpacked around Latin America and North America and plan to keep doing it well into old age!
I love tango and acroyoga as ways to foster deep connection and trust with people. I am an enthusiast of community living and permaculture, promoting respect for both people and nature. 
You graduated with a Bachelor of Psychology and Master of Social Work. What drew you to these degrees?
My journey in psychology and social work has been inspired by a call to action to support people in need, heavily influenced by witnessing the struggles of beloved family members with mental health and physical illnesses. The opportunity to connect at a very deep level with my clients and be honoured to be part of their lives drives my passion for this field.
How does your training in psychology and social work influence your approach to Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)?
My training in psychology and social work profoundly influences my approach to Positive Behaviour Support (PBS). I adopt a systemic view of my clients, striving to identify and understand their strengths. This holistic perspective allows me to tailor interventions that are person-centred.
Counselling and Positive Behaviour Support
You spent over a decade working as a clinician and educator in mental health and disability. Can you tell us how counselling and Positive Behaviour Support relate?
Counselling and Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) relate in that both aim to improve quality of life through supportive, personalised interventions for individuals and families. When offered together, they provide a powerful approach to fostering positive change that enhances the quality of life for our clients.
Quite often when a person is new to Positive Behaviour Support, they assume that PBS is the same as counselling. Can you tell us the similarities and differences between counselling and Positive Behaviour Support?
Though counselling and Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) both aim to improve quality of life for our clients; counselling addresses emotional and psychological issues through talk therapy and various therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy, among others. PBS, in contrast, focuses on modifying challenging behaviours using an evidence based, systematic approach to promote positive behaviour change and is often used for behaviour modification, and measures success through observable behaviour changes, skill acquisition and goal achievement.
At the same time, both share similarities: they create a supportive, empathetic environment and are tailored to meet the unique needs of the individual and their families. Both professionals partner with clients to progress their personal goals.
The impact of Positive Behaviour Support
Can you share an example of how Positive Behaviour Support has had a positive impact on a person’s quality of life?
John is in his 40’s and is very passionate, active and loves living in Brisbane. He lives with a disability and frequently had arguments with his partner that would escalate to physical fights. Through Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), we identified specific triggers, such as his feeling of overwhelm when his partner expected social interaction immediately after he arrived home from work while feeling exhausted. By establishing an agreement to give him 15 minutes to self-regulate, such as having a cold shower or eating a delicious snack, before engaging with his partner, the number of fights dramatically reduced. This intervention significantly improved his quality of life and relationship.
Can you give an example of how Positive Behaviour Support might benefit a person who may have a mental health disability?
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) can greatly benefit a person with a mental health disability. For example, a person with anxiety might experience panic attacks in crowded places. PBS can help by creating a plan that includes strategies that work well for that particular person, such as listening to their favourite music, talking on the phone to a caring friend, gradual exposure to crowds and developing coping mechanisms, such as mindful techniques, reducing anxiety and improving their ability to participate in social activities and overall quality of life.
Positive Behaviour Support in Robina
Do you support clients of all ages in Robina and surrounds?
Yes, I support clients of all ages and backgrounds. I very much enjoy working with neurodiverse clients and culturally and linguistically diverse populations.
Which suburbs do you provide Positive Behaviour Support on the Gold Coast?
Southern Brisbane, and all areas of the Gold Coast from Ormeau and Helensvale to Varsity Lakes and Coolangatta.
How to get started with Positive Behaviour Support in Robina
How can NDIS participants in Robina get started with Positive Behaviour Support?
To get started with Positive Behaviour Support, please make a referral 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 on the Gold Coast, please feel welcome to call our team on 1300 694 625 or send a message using our contact form.
Life in Robina, Gold Coast
Tell us about life on the Gold Coast!
Life on the Gold Coast is incredible! The broad beaches are perfect for swimming in the ocean, and I've been learning to bodyboard, which is hard and exciting. The area also offers fantastic opportunities for bushwalking, with beautiful trails that let you immerse yourself in nature. It's amazing to be surrounded by such stunning landscapes.
Can you tell us about accessible recreational activities on the Gold Coast?
The Gold Coast offers amazing recreational activities. You can go fishing, learn to surf with adaptive equipment and instructors, explore the beautiful bushwalking trails, some of which are wheelchair-friendly. The Gold Coast also has accessible parks, picnic areas, and attractions like the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
About Positive Behaviour Support
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