ABSTRACT
Having a severe mental illness is a major life challenge. It affects many aspects of one's life. Coupled with the prejudice present in the community, this may drastically change the sense of identity of the patient, causing him/her to lose hope and aspirations for the future. He/she may lose his/her life direction and goals and be confined in the trapped self. The concept of the strength-based cognitive behaviour therapy (SBCBT) approach to recovery highlights the liberation of self from a trapped state to a liberated state. It points out that the experience of mental illness should not be a reason for the client to lose hope and courage, as it is just a part of the person's life. On the other hand, the client can choose a positive attitude, educate him/herself on the illness, take the initiative to seek appropriate treatments, and learn to manage his/her lifestyle as well as physical and psychological health. Furthermore, the person can maintain a positive attitude towards personal dreams and aspirations, set personal goals and plans, and take actions towards achieving them. He/she can also learn to identify his/her own internal strengths and explore relevant external resources to pursue his/her dreams, and to build a rich and meaningful life. This is the road to recovery. This chapter collects the practice reflections made by colleagues who have participated in the SBCBT process, describing the joys and challenges they faced in carrying out the SBCBT approach in working with people in recovery.
