ABSTRACT
An understanding of recovery, as defined by people who themselves experience mental
health problems, has the potential to transform the approaches used, interventions offered
and values held by people who provide services. Such changes in services, in turn, have the
potential to transform the experience of mental health problems from a devastating,
catastrophic, life-destroying occurrence to a challenge that can be managed and which
ultimately enriches us all; and broadens our understanding, contribution and sensitivity
towards others. Note: this chapter will move from speaking about ‘you’ as the person who
might understand what it is like to suffer from mental distress and/or a diagnosis to ‘you’
the trainee or practitioner who wants to help people who are in emotional distress.
