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Psychosocial Recovery Coaching: An Overview

A picture of a woman smiling, representing the outcomes of psychosocial recovery coaching

In this article, we will outline psychosocial recovery coaching, describe the different approaches, examine the approach we use in detail, explain how it works under the NDIS, and link you to further reading.

Outline:

Psychosocial recovery coaching is a form of support that helps individuals recovering from mental health issues or substance abuse achieve their goals and improve their overall well-being. It is a collaborative process in which the recovery coach works with the individual to identify their strengths, needs, and challenges and helps them develop a plan for achieving their goals.

One of the main benefits of psychosocial recovery coaching is that it is tailored to the individual’s specific needs and goals. Unlike more traditional forms of therapy, which tend to focus on the individual’s past experiences and issues, recovery coaching is focused on the present and the future. It helps individuals to identify their strengths and build on them, as well as to develop new skills and strategies for overcoming challenges and achieving their goals.

Another benefit of psychosocial recovery coaching is that it is goal-oriented and action-focused. It helps individuals to set and work towards specific, achievable goals, such as improving their mental health, finding a job, or building healthy relationships. By focusing on these goals and the steps needed to achieve them, recovery coaches can help individuals to make progress and achieve a sense of accomplishment and self-worth.

In addition to these benefits, psychosocial recovery coaching also provides a sense of accountability and support. The recovery coach acts as a guide and mentor, helping the individual stay on track and stay motivated. They can also provide a sense of accountability, helping the individual to stay focused and committed to their goals.

There are several different approaches to psychosocial recovery coaching, and the The specific approach used will depend on the individual’s needs and goals. Some common approaches include cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and strengths-based approaches.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that focuses on the relationship between an individual’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It helps individuals to identify and challenge negative or unhelpful thoughts, and to develop new, more positive ways of thinking and acting. CBT can be particularly helpful for individuals recovering from mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. This is aften favoured by psychologists who have training in CBT.

Motivational interviewing is a type of therapy that helps individuals to explore and resolve their ambivalence about making changes in their lives. It is based on the idea that individuals are more likely to make positive changes when they are motivated and feel empowered to do so. Motivational interviewing can be helpful for individuals who may be resistant to change or who may have difficulty sticking to their goals. This is often favoured by professional counsellors. 

Strengths-based approaches focus on an individual’s strengths and resources, rather than their weaknesses or problems. This approach helps individuals to build on their existing skills and strengths, and to develop new ones. It can be particularly helpful for individuals who may have experienced setbacks or challenges in the past, and who may feel discouraged or defeated. It’s an approach often delivered by “lived experience” coaches.

Why we favour the strength-based approach:

Our coaches offer “lived experience”, that is to say, they have overcome their own challenges and now work helping others. This is why this approach is the method we use. A strengths-based approach to working with people emphasises their abilities, skills, and resources rather than their limitations or problems. This approach is especially useful for psychosocial recovery coaching because it encourages individuals to build on their strengths and develop a sense of hope, resilience, and agency.

One of the most important advantages of a strengths-based approach is that it fosters a positive and hopeful outlook. Individuals are more likely to feel optimistic about their ability to make positive changes in their lives when they can focus on their strengths and what they are capable of. This is especially important for people who are dealing with difficult circumstances or who are struggling with negative thoughts and feelings. Recovery coaches can help individuals shift their focus from their problems to their potential by assisting them in identifying and building on their strengths, which can be a powerful motivator for change..

A strengths-based approach can also aid in the development of resilience and self-esteem. Individuals are more likely to feel confident and capable when they can see and recognise their own strengths. This, in turn, can help them cope better with the difficulties and setbacks that may arise during the recovery process. Recovery coaches can help individuals build their sense of self-worth and self-esteem by assisting them in identifying and building on their strengths, which can be an important factor in their overall well-being.

Another advantage of using a strengths-based approach is that it fosters a sense of agency or control over one’s own life. Individuals are more likely to feel empowered and capable of making positive changes in their lives when they can identify and build on their strengths. This is especially important for people who have previously felt disempowered or powerless. Recovery coaches can help individuals increase their motivation and commitment to the recovery process by assisting them in developing a sense of agency

Finally, individuals may find a strengths-based approach more engaging and motivating. It can be more engaging and empowering for individuals when recovery coaches focus on their strengths and abilities. As a result, their motivation and commitment to the recovery process may increase. Recovery coaches can help to create a more positive and supportive environment conducive to recovery by focusing on strengths.

How it works under the NDIS:

Psychosocial recovery coaching is classified as “capacity building” support under Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This indicates that it is not intended to offer direct care or assistance, but rather to assist people in developing their skills and abilities. The NDIS offers eligible participants funding for capacity building supports, and these participants can use this funding to access the kinds of supports they need to achieve their goals.

Conclusion:

Overall, psychosocial recovery coaching is a supportive and empowering process that can help individuals recovering from mental health issues or substance abuse to achieve their goals and improve their overall well-being. It is tailored to the individual’s specific needs and goals, and helps them to develop new skills and strategies for overcoming challenges and achieving success.

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