We are looking forward to meeting you on the upcoming +ProActive Approaches 8-Day Train the Trainer course.

We understand that those attending the course will have varying degrees of experience and knowledge around behaviour support and some people may be feeling nervous or unsure about what to expect. We also acknowledge that there is going to be a lot of information for you to absorb on your journey to becoming a +ProActive Approaches Trainer.

At Proactive Approaches we pride ourselves on “making it make sense”. We take what are often heavy and complex subjects and make them easy for everyone to understand. We do this by using concepts, analogies, examples, visuals, building blocks, and verbal prompts.

We believe that good trainers have the ability to be “Amygdala whisperers” (you’ll learn what this means during your course), but in simple terms, it’s about calming people’s brains down by making them feel safe and supported #CalmingMinds.

Lastly, we believe that training needs to be interactive, engaging and fun! 8-days of being lectured doesn’t tend to float people’s boat (depending on their learning style of course!).

This is all important for you to know when starting your new role as a +ProActive Approaches Trainer. But in the spirit of taking our own medicine, over the space of the next two weeks, we will be sending you a daily email with some introductory information surrounding the topics we will be covering on your course.

The aim is to start to make some concepts make sense, calm your brains, and get you excited! The information you receive over the next few weeks is all going to be an introductory level. Don’t worry we will go into much more detail. We absolutely encourage you to absorb as much as you can and bring any questions with you.

Before we go any further, let us introduce one of many analogies we use at Proactive…

So, think back to your last eyesight test. They used a range of lenses, putting them in front of your eyes, then removing them – to ensure you got the clearest picture possible.

Think about the complex nature of the children we work with. It can be helpful, especially when trying to unpick behaviour, to consider ALL ASPECTS of the child or ‘the whole child’ when trying to ascertain what they are trying to communicate through their responses. This is how we do it.

We put on our Sensory Lens – is what I’m seeing, them trying to self-soothe? (For example, if they are hanging from the tops of doors)

We may need to put on our Learning Disability Lens – does this child have the capacity to understand what is being asked of him? (For example, if they are not following an instruction)

We put on our Attachment Lens – is this child trying to make sure he is not invisible to us (for example, if they keep asking for things they don’t even want)

We put on our Trauma or Lived Experience Lens – what does this child think is about to happen to make her respond in that way? (For example, if a staff member approaches them for a simple chat and they become instantly volatile and start shouting).

We put on our Toxic Shame Lens – is this response because the child is trying to avoid the pain of shame? (For example, if the child has just lied about something you watched them do)

By applying these lenses, not only do we gain a clearer picture of what needs this child is trying to get met, but we can make more informed decisions about the best way to respond to them.

We look forward to seeing you soon!