The Evolution of the Person-Centred Therapeutic Support Plan (PTSP)
The Person-Centred Therapeutic Support Plan (PTSP) was created from our commitment to seeing individuals as the experts in their own lives. Developed by our social workers, PTSP is grounded in Dr. Carl Rogers' Person-Centred Approach to therapy. This approach emphasises every individual's inherent worth and potential, aligning with the Disability Standards Act 2014.
PTSP and the Disability Standards
In December 2013, the Standing Council on Disability Reform endorsed the National Standards for Disability Services (NSDS), emphasising a person-centred approach. These standards advocate for greater choice and control for people with disabilities—core values shared by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). At Deeper Care, we uphold the six key Disability Standards:
- Rights
- Participation & Inclusion
- Individual Outcomes
- Feedback & Complaints
- Service Access
- Service Management
What is the Person-Centred Therapeutic Support Plan?
PTSP is a transformative planning approach that focuses on an individual's strengths, positioning them at the centre of their journey. Unlike traditional support plans, which often concentrate on behaviours and risks, PTSP centres on understanding the person behind the behaviour, emphasising their unique perspectives, needs, and aspirations.
Our goal is to empower individuals to explore and address their behaviours through self-reflection, enabling them to fulfil their potential. PTSP views behaviours not as problems to be managed but as goal-oriented attempts to meet underlying needs.
Key Features of PTSP
- Holistic View - Recognises the whole person—integrating ideas, feelings, behaviours, needs, and values.
- Nonverbal Communication - PTSP acknowledges the role of nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language, in understanding individuals.
- Involvement and Empowerment - PTSP honours individuals' right to decide their needs. Where direct participation isn’t possible, families and caregivers play a collaborative role.
Empowering Self-Determination
At Deeper Care, PTSP is about empowering individuals to lead their own journey. Whether directly or through key support people, every person’s voice is integral to shaping their support. PTSP allows us to move beyond addressing behaviours and instead provide holistic support that fosters ownership, independence, and well-being.
When individuals take ownership of their plan, it enhances their psychological and emotional well-being, reduces dependency on external support, and encourages community and social participation.