Fall-2015

In the workplace……

The field of Applied Behaviour Analysis and the study of environmental contingencies impacting human behaviour are widely applicable to a variety of populations and disciplines. Behaviour Analysts at Aubrey Daniels International developed The Five-Step Process, a method based on the principles of ABA which is used in the workplace for analyzing and changing the work environment and behaviour of leaders, supervisors and frontline staff. The method involves the following five steps: 1. Pinpoint: Specify both the results and behaviour that are required to achieve needed outcomes (process and results), to drive business objectives and individual performance. 2. Measure: Take data on the performer and have the performer(s) track data as well. From improving supply chain management to the individual efforts to improve error reduction in report writing — whatever it might be— always set up a clear measurement system tied to key results. 3. Feedback: Display progress and discuss measures in visible ways so that individuals learn that behaviour patterns are predictive and trends are indicative of what is happening at a behavioural level. 4. Reinforce: Celebrate by discussing progress and focusing on the steps toward the goal. Make it visible and frequent. Whenever possible, build in reinforcement to the natural working environment. Know that this is a major challenge of managers when working with their employees —when to recognize progress. 5. Evaluate: keep an eye on performance at the individual and collective levels when looking at the effectiveness of your work. Seek out how to make visible trends, speed, direction, and alignment with other stated objectives such as changes in the workplace conditions. Ask, “How can this be better for the worker, the manager, the leader and the overall culture?” The Five-Step Process provides a framework for employers to change the behaviour of their employees from the current state of performance to high and steady rates of successful performance. For further information on behaviour analysis in the workplace and how this model can be implemented, please see the link below. http://www.redalyc.org/pdf/2430/243016300002.pdfAdditional information about our Behaviour Analysis and Consultation services can be found at: https://www.qxplore.com/behavioural-consultation-services/ Services and about the BCBA certification process can be found at www.BACB.com.

Laura Campbell is a Senior Therapist, Autism Assessment and Therapy Services and Behavioural Consultant, Behavioural Consultation Services with Quinte Assessment and Treatment Group

“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” — Jimmy Dean.

Are you worried about having thoughts of self-harm or challenges keeping yourself safe? Is an addiction putting yourself or your love ones at risk? Are you concerned about someone’s mental health or possible risk from abuse and/or domestic violence? These are sensitive questions that tend to get minimized during conversations with family or friends. Denying or minimizing potentially serious risk does not take away the risk; it will just make the risky situation more difficult to manage, or worse, maybe too late to act upon. It is helpful to reach out for support through counselling or psychotherapy, where establishing a safe, confidential and trust based therapeutic relationship with your therapist is a priority. Through counselling, an individual can share and describe thoughts and feelings that normally won’t be shared with families and friends due to the fear of being negatively judged or criticized. Imagine yourself when you are physically ill. Would you ignore serious physical symptoms or would you go see your family doctor for a medical assessment? It is hoped that you would choose the latter. The same is true for mental health issues. Therapists understand individual challenges with mental health, workplace conflict/stress, personal/ relationship issues, trauma or addiction. Through counselling, clients can have an objective, unbiased and non-judgmental conversation with a therapist. It is important for individuals to feel comfortable during clinical sessions and to understand how therapists incorporate a comprehensive risk assessment in the treatment plan for a serious mental health issue. Risk assessment during the intake process is always important in clinical settings and for serious issues therapists follow a standard clinical assessment process to develop an understanding of the client’s possible risk of harm to self or others (public safety).