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Solve Primary Behaviour Issues with the COMPASS Approach

Children’s behaviour issues are invariably symptomatic of an underlying anxiety or problem. The COMPASS approach can point you in the right direction, says Sue Gascoyne…

Sue Gascoyne
by Sue Gascoyne
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PrimaryEnglish

Working with children as a play therapist and sensory engagement specialist is a bit like being an ‘emotions detective’, in the sense of trying to put yourself in a child’s shoes to better understand what they might be thinking, feeling and needing.

We all have three fundamental psychological needs that underpin our wellbeing and openness to learning new things. The need to belong (relatedness), the need to be, do and explore (autonomy), and the need to feel ‘I can’ (competence).

For children, behaviour is invariably a symptom of an underlying anxiety or problem, which if left unaddressed can spark a chain of misunderstandings and disappointments.

Working therapeutically in schools with children experiencing behaviour issues, the COMPASS approach provides a tool for focusing on:

  • children’s behaviour as a recognised means of COMmunication
  • the importance of People-friendly environments
  • positive Attachment with significant caregivers and
  • Sensory approaches to caring and learning
  • developing Self-regulation.

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