The CALMER Approach - Building Capable Environments and Co-designing Therapeutic Supports

Join us for this upcoming deep dive foundational knowledge and application into The CALMER Approach model. 

What is The CALMER Approach? 

The CALMER Approach is the practical understanding and application of the relationship between neuro-behavioural science.

CALMER is an engaging and evolving process of learning, understanding, and finding shared meaning. It is person-cetered and neurodivergent affriming, an inclusive evidence-informed practice framework to build capable environments and co-design therapeutic supports.

CALMER focuses on building environments capable of understanding and applying the CALMER (Cortex - Amygdala - Limbic - Memory and Emotional Regulation) approach principles: The environment is the primary focus of change, and not the person; Everyone needs to feel safe, heard, connected, and understood to succeed; Depending on how a person is feeling, it will reflect on how they interact, engage, participate, learn, and perceive their environment. Therefore, CALMER focuses on understanding the relationship between emotions and interactions (behaviour) from the person's perspective. 

CALMER draws on a wide range of theories and models, including polyvagal theory, biopsychosocial, positive behaviour support, person-centered practice, social model of disability, and trauma-informed practice to understand the person in the context of their own environment. 

We believe that CALMER's knowledge and understanding belong with everyone and in all settings.

Who should attend? 

This training is highly recommended to everyone supporting people that engage in unsafe interactions (behaviours of concerns) and they are struggling or looking for an alternative approach. It may be of particular interest to families, support workers, behaviour support practitioners, teachers, health, and allied health professionals.

By attending this training session, you will be able to understand:

What CALMER is.

Why CALMER is “shared by you and me”.

Why CALMER is neurodivergent affirming practice.

What makes CALMER an ongoing process and not an end point.

What and how CALMER harness on the organic relationship between emotions and interactions.

Why and how CALMER integrates neuro-behavioural sciences relationship into everyday practice of Positive Behaviour Support 

What theories and models inform CALMER’s inclusive and evidence-informed practice framework. 

Why and how CALMER is rethinking the traditional "functions of the behaviour Attention – Escape – Tangible – Sensory". 

Why CALMER is focusing on providing advanced foundational knowledge and application of CALMER for those supporting people engaging in unsafe interactions (behaviours of concerns).

Receive 2 hours CPD

Your Facilitators:
Francisco (Fran) de Paula is passionate about supporting all to reach their potential. The CALMER Approach was developed out of his passion to close the gap between theory and practice while looking for ways to make more meaningful impact in Positive Behaviour Support.

Francisco has been working in the disability sector for over 20 years, starting as a support worker in accommodation, day program, recreation program and employment settings. Since 2011, he has been working as Behaviour Support Practitioner and an Education and Training facilitator (in both TAFE and private courses). He is certified Person Centered Active Support facilitator since 2016 (through Greystanes Disability Services, NSW). Person-centred practice, neuroscience and trauma-informed practice are at the full front of his practice and training.

Amy de Paula is an Occupational Therapist who has been working in community disability settings for over twenty years. With a passion for meaningful engagement and co-design, she loves anything that leads to people having autonomy and participation in their lives.

Testimonials with consent to share:

March 2024 “The CALMER Approach needs to be at the foundation of organizational structure and operations. I work in a school, and this approach should be implemented in all schools to ensure the wellbeing of our students and staff, and can even be useful when interacting with parents”. Heather Quinn

April 2024 "Thank you for the presentation, it has shifted my perspective on how I approach working with children, especially in how they perceive their emotional regulation and triggers. I've adopted the strategy of asking the child to draw their zones of regulation and have seen some improvements in classroom attendance and engagement. It's also helped with setting up classroom supports and adjustments". Tome Murrone

Notes:

We aim to make our sessions financially available to everyone, so please contact us if money is a barrier. Custom sessions can be tailored for groups, please contact: info@calmerapproach.com