In defence of a humanistic approach to mental health care: recovery processes investigated with the help of clients' narratives on turning points and processes of gradual change

Abstract

Several studies in recent years have shown that recovery factors as experienced by clients are not always compatible with professional approaches. For example, clients often emphasise the importance of relationships and the satisfaction of universal human needs. The aim of the study has been to explore clients" descriptions of beneficial factors and to discuss the implications of those factors for the delivery of mental health services. Method has been qualitative content analysis of 347 user narratives. The study confirms findings in earlier recovery studies, but also demonstrates that the investigation of clients" stories leads to a range of existential dilemmas. Fundamental beliefs about what constitutes effective and necessary treatment are challenged. Recovery is a fundamentally personal process that involves finding a new sense of self and feeling of hope. Furthermore it is not only an internal process; it also requires external conditions that facilitate a positive culture of healing.

Psykisk syke mangler rettssikkerhet

“…A Kontinuitet i behandlingen er ansett for å vaere et helt sentralt og nødvendig element i behandlingen av mennesker med alvorlige psykiske lidelser (31). Det er imidlertid forsket lite på sammenhengen mellom kontinuitet i behandlingen og sykdomsforløp (prognose).…”

Det trengs mange og handlekraftige (første)hjelpere!

“…I det reviderte kursprogram er det lagt vekt på å arbeide med hva som kan fremstå som vendepunkt (bort fra selvmord) for personen med selvmordstanker. Dette bygger på nyere forskning, blant annet fra Norge (Kogstad et al, 2011;LivingWorks, 2013). Revisjonen har ikke medført endringer i bruken av pedagogiske verktøy.…”

Recovery from schizophrenia: developing context utilising the literature

“…Bonney & Stickley (2008) identify that generally, there is no clear consensus regarding recovery and it therefore remains very much contested. Many authors state that there is not yet a definitive definition of recovery (Onken et al, 2007;Kogstad et al, 2011). The most commonly cited definition was developed by Anthony (1993), who was one of the intellectual founders of the recovery movement (Shepherd et al, 2008).…”

“…Silverstein & Bellack (2008) add that terms, such as hope, empowerment and self-determination are often employed in a vague manner. Kogstad et al, (2011) had discovered that recovery factors experienced by service users are not always compatible with professional approaches. Beck et al, (2012, p564) offers one explanation, "People appear to hold an individual representation of what it means to be recovered".…”

“…Kogstad et al, (2011) predict that the recovery approach needs to go beyond attempts to construct models for recovery-orientated practices and should therefore be a 'non-linear' process. Perkins & Slade (2012) identify recovery as a 'journey' but it was Unzicker (1989) who was one of the first to generate the idea of recovery being a journey.…”