The Recovery Model and Psychosis

Abstract For many people with psychotic symptoms or disorders, the chief goal is recovery and not to minimise the experience of symptoms. This chapter will highlight the importance of listening to patients, understanding what their goals are, and what recovery would ‘look like’ for them. It will provide a brief history and critical introduction to the various definitions of recovery and the tenets of the recovery model and how this differs around the globe. It will also present an overview of research evidence supporting the concept of recovery and suggestions on how to implement this approach in clinical practice, including a discussion of factors that may help or hinder recovery. The chapter includes case studies illustrating the central components of the recovery model, such as optimism about outcomes, the importance of empowerment and taking a collaborative approach to treatment.