About.
Behaviour Detectives is here to help adults understand behaviour so that they can support children who are distressed and likely to be having difficulty learning new skills. The approach is about being positive and working inclusively with children and adults who are having a hard time because it's the best way to achieve better outcomes for everyone. It doesn't matter if there's a diagnosis of neurological, developmental, or behavioural difference - we can help everybody achieve improved outcomes.
While Behaviour Detectives works mostly with families whose children are aged 2-10 years old, all families and groups are welcomed to learn more about behaviour and why challenges arise. A person-centred approach is at the core of all sessions to ensure that we're working with (and for) those who are being supported. Sessions including introducing you to practical strategies that work to improve relationships and outcomes for everyone.
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Katrina has an in-depth understanding of the many challenges that arise in households, social, and learning environments, and shares lived experience in supporting children with challenging behaviours and disability/difference. She is committed to working with you to filter out the 'noise' that might be confusing why behaviours are challenging and to make positive adjustments so life can be enjoyed more fully. The aim is for you to become more skilled in understanding behaviour so that you can understand distressed behaviour as a form of communication, identify and problem-solve behaviour challenges, and collaborate toward improved outcomes. That means a more enjoyable life where the more you learn the less you need her support!
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Katrina Phillips
Equine Assisted Behaviour Specialist
Behaviour Detectives
Katrina has completed a wide range of behaviour training and has practised in home, community, education, and military settings. She has successfully integrated approaches from multidisciplinary fields into programmes and life (occupational and speech therapies, psychology, relationship development intervention, positive behaviour interventions and supports, and collaborative and proactive solutions). She is passionate about helping people to lead fulfilling lives and assists families and schools in increasing social engagement and ​enjoyment. As a parent, educator, and analyst, Katrina has first-hand experience in many behaviour challenges faced by the Behaviour Detectives community. She creates an environment that is relaxed and informative by sharing joys and struggles, creating a comfortable atmosphere to learn, laugh, ask questions, and make new connections. Katrina is qualified and skilled in behaviour analysis but does not offer programmed "ABA" as an intensive form of early intervention. Behaviour hiccups and opportunities for learning are identified and prioritised throughout the consultative relationship as they arise, and customised and workable solutions are found in partnership.
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In addition to her in-depth understanding of teaching, children's learning, and behaviour (via completion of an internationally verified course sequence), Katrina's qualifications extend to childhood development, and assessments including PEAK (Promoting Emergence of Advanced Knowledge) Relational Training System (Level 1 Certified), VB-MAPP (Verbal Behaviour - Milestones Assessment & Placement Program), and EFL (Essential For Living). Her training and experience also includes Positive Behaviour Supports (PBS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and 'Accept, Identify, Move' - an ACT curriculum for children. Katrina is also skilled in implementation of 'Collaborative and Proactive Solutions' pioneered by Dr Ross Greene, and is an advocate with his organisation 'Lives in the Balance'.
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In 2023, Katrina completed training with Dr Greg Hanley in Practical Functional Assessment and Skills-Based Treatment (PFA-SBT), a trauma-assumed approach to teaching functional replacement behaviours for severe and complex behaviours of concern. Katrina has completed year-long studies through the Equine Psychotherapy Institute (2022). She weaves equine-assisted learning in a variety of ways throughout her online and on-site sessions. Katrina's current involvement in a Council-sponsored placement is supporting her understanding of entrepreneurship to benefit her local community.
Formal Academic Qualifications also include: Master of Education, Bachelor of Music (Studio Teaching), Diploma of Project Management, Certificate IV in Training & Assessment
Katrina is a member of the following professional organisations: ABAA, ABIA, APBSA, Behavior Analysis in Military and Veterans' Issues SIG, and Sexual Behavior Analysis, Complex Behaviour Community of Practice
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