How do I know if a therapy is working

The top 10 indicators that you are receiving a good therapy, medication or service:

1. You are encouraged to work on learning, personal growth, rehabilitation or recovery as solutions to the challenges you face.
2. You are respected and treated as an equal with choice and control over yourself. When you disagree with a treatment option, you are listened to and asked what you want.
3. Accommodations for disabling conditions empower more options for you, rather than limiting your options.
4. You don’t feel obliged to do work on issues or do anything as a favour for a professional supporter, and you aren’t afraid to be honest, even though they are nice to you.
5. If you are told what to do, you know why and how to do it.
6. After the first three months, you continually improve over the length of the service.
7. There is noticeable change in you, such that others see and comment on changes.
8. Changes in your functioning last more than 21 days, and you are able to build on the change.
9. In the first six months of service, you know what the goals of service are; how you know when you reach the goals; and when the service will end.
10. You are not blamed for your challenges or think you are punished unfairly.

Checklist

Here’s your checklist to be sure that your supports are competent and planned for you:

• Supporters have the qualifications – education, experience, professional designations and certifications to know about what you need or want.
• Supporters ask for your consent to work with them after they have answered all your questions.
• Supporters are clear about what they can and cannot do for or with you.
• Supporters do not make decisions about you without you, unless there is a serious safety issue.
• Supporters do not touch you or your possessions without your permission.
• Supporters have explained to you how to make complaints or end services.