Psychosocial Recovery Coaching: An Overview -

This is an accessible introduction to psychosocial recovery coaching. If you’d like a more detailed guide — including the history of the field, the different therapeutic approaches used, and how it works under the NDIS — we have a comprehensive article here.

Heartfelt Support is a provider of psychosocial recovery coaching in Adelaide.

What is psychosocial recovery coaching?

Psychosocial recovery coaching is a form of support that helps people recovering from mental health conditions achieve their goals and improve their overall wellbeing. It’s a collaborative process: the recovery coach works with the individual to identify their strengths, needs, and challenges, and helps them develop a practical plan for moving forward.

Unlike conventional therapy — which often explores past experiences in depth — recovery coaching is focused on the present and the future. The emphasis is on building skills, developing strategies for managing challenges, and working toward specific goals that matter to you.

The benefits

Recovery coaching is tailored to your specific needs and goals, not a standardised program. It supports the development of new skills and approaches for overcoming obstacles, while helping you build on the strengths you already have.

The goal-focused, action-oriented nature of recovery coaching is one of its most useful features. It helps people set and work toward clear, achievable goals — whether that’s improving mental health, finding employment, or building better relationships. The recovery coach provides consistent accountability and encouragement, which is particularly valuable for people whose lives have been disrupted by mental health challenges.

The approaches we use

There are several approaches to recovery coaching. The right one depends on the individual. Common frameworks include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which is often favoured by psychologists with CBT training; motivational interviewing, which is particularly useful for people who are ambivalent about change; and strengths-based approaches, which are often delivered by coaches with lived experience.

Why we favour the strengths-based approach

Our coaches offer lived experience — they have overcome their own mental health challenges and now work alongside others going through similar journeys. This is why the strengths-based approach is central to what we do.

A strengths-based approach focuses on a person’s abilities, skills, and resources rather than their limitations or problems. When people can see and build on what’s already working in their lives — rather than concentrating primarily on what’s difficult — they’re more likely to feel optimistic, capable, and motivated to move forward. For people who have experienced significant setbacks or feel powerless, this shift can be profound.

Building on strengths also develops resilience and self-esteem — the sense that you can navigate what comes next, even when the recovery process is difficult. It fosters a genuine sense of agency: the feeling that you have some control over your own life. That’s often one of the most significant things that mental health challenges take away, and one of the most important things recovery coaching can give back.

How it works under the NDIS

Psychosocial recovery coaching is classified as a “capacity building” support under the NDIS. It’s designed to help participants develop their skills and abilities over time, rather than providing ongoing direct care. Eligible participants can use their NDIS plan funding to access recovery coaching and work toward their personal goals.

For more information about the NDIS and psychosocial recovery coaching, the NDIS has published guidance on the recovery framework for participants with psychosocial disability.

Psychosocial recovery coaching at Heartfelt Support

If you’re interested in recovery coaching through Heartfelt Support, the best starting point is a conversation. You can learn more about our approach, or use our self-referral form and we’ll be in touch.