Three Effective Communication Strategies When dealing with Challenging Behaviour

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Many people, including children, were previously excluded from communities or provisions on the basis of their challenging behaviours rather than finding an effective means of helping. Challenging behaviour is a means of describing an event that is intense, frequent and lengthy – it poses a threat to quality of life or physical safety.

There are many strategies that professionals can adopt when dealing with these situations.

Table of Contents

Communication Strategies

Adopting active listening is crucial in managing challenging behaviour. It promotes feelings of trust and conflict resolution. It involves listening without interruption and acknowledges another person’s feelings and wishes. It relies on empathy, understanding and open body language. Having this open communication style promotes respect and problem solving.
Challenging behaviour can mean that there is a requirement for building positive relationships whilst also setting boundaries and addressing behaviours that are inappropriate. Having consistent boundaries creates stability and removes the element of surprise. Allowing the other party to play a role in setting these boundaries can help them to feel respected and listened to.
Using language that is both positive and clear when managing challenging behaviours is very effective. Frustration and misunderstandings can cause situations to escalate quickly. With clear messages the likelihood of confusion is minimised. Positive language promotes a sense of calm as well as respect and worth. It promotes accountability and cooperation and can be used to de-escalate tense situations.

Mental Health Training

By understanding the nature of challenging behaviour, professionals and carers are encouraged to find effective ways of understanding a persons behaviour and its underlying causes.

Those who have regular contact with people can benefit from expanding their knowledge on mental health issues in order to deliver a higher quality standard of care and safeguarding. There are many training options available, together with specific modules on managing challenging behaviour techniques.

For examples of mental health training courses Newport visit www.tidaltraining.co.uk/mental-health-training-courses/newport.

Increasing knowledge and skills in these areas helps us to deliver care that is effective, meaningful and free from judgment and misconceptions.