How to tell if counselling is working

Therapy isn't always a straight path. Some weeks feel encouraging, while others can feel heavier than when you started. That doesn't necessarily mean counselling isn't helping. In this episode, psychologists Michael Barrett and Jelena Radan explain what real progress looks like, why change often happens gradually, and how Calgary Counselling Centre and Counselling Alberta use feedback tools like the Outcome Questionnaire (OQ) and Session Rating Scale (SRS) to make sure therapy stays focused on what matters most to each client. Whether you're currently in counselling or considering starting, this conversation offers reassurance that meaningful change often happens in small, lasting ways. "Living Fully" is not a substitute or alternative for professional care or treatment. Calgary Counselling Centre and Counselling Alberta provide effective counselling for anyone in Alberta with no wait list and no financial barriers.For help across Canada and the United States, call 211. If you are outside Canada and the U.S., seek help from your general medical practitioner.