Utilizing Positive Psychiatry in the Promotion of Recovery for Individuals With Severe Mental Illness

Abstract

Symptom reduction is a critical goal for individuals with severe mental illness, but improving and treating symptoms does not always translate into personally defined recovery. Positive psychiatry offers a complementary approach to conventional psychiatric care and emphasizes strengths, protective factors, overall well-being, and personal recovery. This is accomplished through approaches such as whole-person history taking and formulation, values-oriented goal setting, understanding strengths and protective factors, and utilizing recovery-oriented community-based resources. Although the evidence base for positive psychiatry in severe mental illness is still emerging, this article provides a review of the existing literature and focuses on practical ways to implement these approaches into everyday clinical practice. Instead of asking only “What is wrong?” we can explore the question of “What is strong?” to help patients with severe mental illness move toward lives characterized by hope, empowerment, meaning, and social connectedness.