Behaviour management

Image 7 - Behaviour support
People living with neurological conditions show an increased prevalence of behavioural difficulties.

The form of these behaviours can be highly varied and include such things as verbal outbursts, aggression, increased use of profanity, sexualised behaviour, self-harm, and apathy and disengagement. What these behaviours have in common is that they typically have a detrimental impact on the individual’s quality of life and often the well-being of those who support them (e.g. family and support staff). Whilst such behaviours are in part the result of neurological disturbance, there are often a range of psychological and environmental factors that contribute to their occurrence.

Image 7 - Behaviour support
Clinicians at Gray Matter are skilled in addressing such difficulties in a manner that is both effective but sensitive and empathic. We can work with patients directly or through family members and staff teams that support the individual. Our approach is based on the following framework:
  • To develop ‘Biopsychosocial’ formulations that encourage all parties to consider the biological, psychological, and environmental factors that may be contributing to behavioural difficulties;
  • Understanding the factors that precipitate such outbursts, and working with the individual and family to better anticipate such triggers;
  • Developing an understanding of what the individual hopes to achieve from their behaviour, and helping them to find more socially acceptable ways of having such needs met;
  • Helping the individual to develop their problem-solving skills so that can attempt to resolve their frustrations as opposed to expressing it through their behaviour;
  • Helping the individual develop and utilise a wide range of coping strategies to tolerate distress when their difficulties cannot be resolved immediately;
  • Providing guidance to family and staff teams around how to respond to challenging behaviours so as not to reinforce this behaviour.
  • Developing Positive Behavioural Support (PBS) plans that can be shared with family, therapists, and support teams.
Image 2 Gray_Matter_FullLogo 1

Specialist clinicians that work around you.

We accept referrals from self-funders as well as solicitors, case managers, and other health and social care professionals. We provide domiciliary visits as well as the option of patients being seen at our office in north Oxford. We also offer the option of remote appointments as well as in-person sessions.

OTHER SERVICES

Neuropsychological
assessment

Cognitive
rehabilitation

Dementia &
supported ageing

Talking
therapies

Mental capacity
assessments

Caregiver
support

Staff training and
supervision

Medicolegal
services

Service
delivery

Make an
enquiry

I have known Dr Gray as a valued colleague for over 20 years and have frequently made referrals to him with confidence. I know him to be a conscientious, evidence-based and insightful clinician. He has a wide range of experience in assessment and rehabilitation across the lifespan in both inpatient and community settings.

Dr Richard Scott, Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist, Litigation Expert

We approached Dr Gray after becoming concerned about my father-in-law’s cognitive abilities. From the initial appointment through to the diagnostic testing, Dr Gray was a pleasure to deal with. Patient, caring and incredibly knowledgeable, he was able to ascertain whether the issues were simply a case of ‘old age’ or something else. The report's thoroughness subsequently helped when approaching our GP, who commented that it ‘made their job much easier’ to work out an ongoing plan of action. I would highly recommend Gray Matters if you are in need of the services of a caring, compassionate psychologist.

Mr G. Taylor, relative of former patient

A friend of my husband's recommended Dr Boothroyd after I began feeling increasingly frustrated with organisational tasks and mental load. As a woman in her 40s, I had a diagnosis of dyslexia from childhood but felt that my struggles were not fully explained by this. Dr Boothroyd took the time to listen to my concerns and my history from a personal and professional perspective. Following the assessment, he was able to diagnose ADHD and explain some of the options available for me to help manage the symptoms. I cannot explain how much of a game changer this has been for me as well as for my family.

Ms M. Osborne, former patient

Dr Gray is an exceptional neuropsychologist and of the highest calibre. He works excellently with clients, family and MDT in often challenging circumstances. He is my ‘go to’ neuropsychologist for all my clients and I look forward to working with him for future clients.

Anne Armitage, Case Manager, Bush & Co