Relational recovery: beyond individualism in the recovery approach

Objective: While the recovery approach in mental health currently enjoys immense support, it is not without its critics. The most persistent criticisms focus on the individualism underpinning many conceptualisations of recovery. In this paper, we outline the shortcomings of individualistic approaches to recovery, and explore the alternative notion of relational recovery.Method: We begin this article by reviewing recent research and theory that critiques individualistic approaches to recovery. We then draw together disparate bodies of research that view recovery as an inherently social process.Results: Our reading of the literature suggests that although many models of recovery recognise relationships or connectedness as a component of the recovery process, an overemphasis on the ‘inner’, subjective experiences of people with a lived experience of mental ill-health largely obscures the interpersonal contexts of recovery. Interpersonal relationships can more accurately be seen as suffusing all aspects of recovery, including experiences such as hope, identity and empowerment.Discussion: We conclude by arguing that the way forward for mental health systems lies in developing, promoting and implementing approaches that properly acknowledge the irreducibly relational nature of recovery.