Therapeutic relationships that promote recovery in the mental health field. An innovative approach

Abstract

In recent decades there have been changes in the mental health field that have also influenced the therapist-client relationship, which is seen as an essential element in the processes of recovery. Our purpose is to present a model of work reflected in therapeutic relationships in the field of rehabilitation (RTR) that is guided by the principles of recovery. Therapeutic relationships are considered as a means through which it is possible to increase commitment and adherence of people to therapy and also participation in treatment and rehabilitation programs. There is a significant correlation between the strength of the therapeutic relationship and improvements in the overall functioning of the person and improvements in community life skills as well as the reduction in the severity level of the symptoms. Different characteristics constitute the RTR and contribute significantly to the processes of recovery and inclusion of people with mental illness: the integration between working on the practical aspects of the life of the person (the dimension of “doing”) and working on the internal aspects (the dimension of the “being”), the “unconventional limits”, the therapist’s openness to his life, collaborative work, a “natural” communication, and hope. Professionals as well as service agencies and policy makers need to deepen their understanding of the nature and uniqueness of RTRs and develop the possibility of working through them to promote processes of change, recovery and social inclusion.