What does recovery-oriented practice emphasize?

Recovery-oriented practice emphasizes personal growth and empowerment in the individual's journey. This approach prioritizes the unique experiences and preferences of each individual seeking recovery from mental health or substance use challenges. By fostering a sense of agency, recovery-oriented practices encourage individuals to take an active role in their own recovery process, promoting positive changes in their lives.

This perspective values the importance of building strengths, resilience, and a supportive environment that facilitates healing. It recognizes that recovery is not just about the absence of symptoms but about achieving a fulfilling and meaningful life according to the individual’s own definition of success. This is crucial in contrast to approaches that might focus more heavily on compliance with treatment protocols or medication management without considering the individual's overall well-being and aspirations.

The approach also stands in contrast to methods that might emphasize rigid structures or exclusive reliance on group therapy, as it understands that recovery is a highly personal and individualized journey that can incorporate multiple modalities beyond just one-on-one therapy or medication.