Resetting the balance: from despair to self-determination

A case study approach to highlight the use of cognitive neurological rehabilitation in the therapeutic management of two service users who have a diagnosis of learning disability and who have exhibited the extremes of aggressive and challenging behaviour. The purpose of this paper is to explore the remarkable progress made by two service users for whom services seemed to be at a loss as to how to meet all but there basic needs. Their journeys from hopelessness to optimism and recovery are both attributable to the cognitive neurological rehabilitation model and how staff and service users worked together to gradually regain control.

A case study approach highlighting the value of training, team working and a therapeutic model and the impact this has made on service users who, in the past, where labelled as highly disruptive and potentially untreatable.

That the cognitive neurological approach is effective in managing service users who have certain cognitive deficits in a structured and supportive way that allows positive progress towards recovery.

A very practical intervention that can be taught and supported. An intervention that appears to achieve excellent clinical results.

Very original and effective approach to care and treatment of service users with diagnosis of learning disability living in conditions requiring security.