Hello!

I’m Irene Gyane (pronounced ‘JAN’), an Advanced Behaviour Support Practitioner and Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with approximately 10 years of experience across disability, mental health and counselling.

My approach to Behaviour Support starts with understanding the person behind the behaviour. I am interested not only in what a person is doing, but why—what they may be communicating, what need is not being met, and what psychological, cognitive, environmental or relational factors may be contributing. From there, I work collaboratively with participants, families and support teams to develop practical strategies that improve quality of life, independence and safety.

I have experience supporting people with Autism (ASD), ADHD, Intellectual Disability, Global Developmental Delay, dementia, ODD, PDD, psychosocial disability and dual diagnoses, including complex mental health presentations such as schizophrenia and psychosis, trauma/PTSD, depression, anxiety and personality disorders.

My work includes Functional Behaviour Assessments, Behaviour Support Plans, complex behaviour and risk assessment, restrictive practice reduction, staff and family training, and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Alongside Behaviour Support, my background in mental health and counselling allows me to bring a psychologically informed and compassionate perspective to my work. I draw on approaches including CBT and Compassion Focused Therapy where relevant.

Qualifications & Professional Memberships

* Master of Social Work – ACAP

* Master of Development Studies – UNSW

* Bachelor of Arts – Political Science, Study of Religions & Music – University of Ghana

* NDIS Behaviour Support Practitioner – Advanced

* Accredited Mental Health Social Worker

* Currently undertaking a Juris Doctor – UNSW

* Accredited member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)

* Additional training in Psychological First Aid, Mental Health First Aid, Compassion Focused Therapy and Perinatal Non-Directive Counselling