Abstract
Based upon academic and clinical experience from Denmark, this article aims to highlight international research-based knowledge concerning challenging aspects about the understanding and implementation of recovery-oriented practice. Three key points are located: (a) An integrative biopsychosocial approach considering both the clinical and personal recovery perspectives is relevant for research and practice. (b) Barriers in implementing a recovery-oriented approach include both individual and systemic challenges. This is well documented in the research-based literature, highlighting the need for changes. (c) A shift from professional control to a service-user orientation is seen as crucial. Examples of a positive shift are seen, helping the health professionals in their development and practicing of skills and competences through education and personal formation. Within these perspectives, a paradigm shift from a one-dimensional biomedical approach to a biopsychosocial approach is suggested. Instead of focusing on rapid stabilisation and symptom relief as a clinical outcome, a humanistic approach building on social- and person-oriented values is fundamental for social and personal recovery leading to a meaningful life.
Highlights
Based upon academic and clinical experience from Denmark, this article aims to highlight international research-based knowledge concerning challenging aspects about the understanding and implementation of recovery-oriented practice
The literature documents that people with mental illnesses can lead productive lives even while having symptoms and that many may recover
The psychosocial perspective has shown all-importantly to pave the way for participation in society, even when suffering from mental health challenges [11,31], especially because people can be assisted to overcome even the most serious mental illnesses if their case is understood from a personal development and lifeworld perspective instead of viewing them as chronic cases of disease [9,32]
Summary
Evidence-based knowledge emphasises the importance of including other treatments and perspectives in regard to understanding mental health illnesses [15,16]. The psychosocial perspective has shown all-importantly to pave the way for participation in society, even when suffering from mental health challenges [11,31], especially because people can be assisted to overcome even the most serious mental illnesses if their case is understood from a personal development and lifeworld perspective instead of viewing them as chronic cases of disease [9,32] This alternative professional view is based on existential and psychosocial rehabilitation, which includes a more societal responsibility in relation to citizens’ mental health and mutual effort to support recovery
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
