Social Recovery Therapy

Psychosis often leads to social withdrawal and disengagement from previously enjoyed activities. These underlying challenges often worsen the condition, creating a cycle of social isolation and deteriorating mental health. By identifying the reasons behind such withdrawal, therapists may develop strategies customized to each individual to improve their quality of life.

Key aspects of the process include the following: 

• Developing a personalized plan of action to achieve social recovery goals
• Increasing motivation and self-efficacy
• Teaching relevant social skills and problem-solving techniques for structured activities
• Offering support for challenges in securing roles in work or educational settings

Unlike traditional cognitive behavioral therapy, which may be confined to an office, social recovery therapy takes an assertive outreach approach. In this case, therapists actively seek to build strong, positive relationships with their clients, often extending outside the clinical environment to work on real-world challenges. 

Social recovery therapy combines cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques with social support to help clients set personalized social and activity-based goals. It may be most effective when used with a multifaceted plan that includes medication, regular evaluations, and family counseling.

During social recovery therapy, individuals may expect to work closely with a therapist to set personalized goals and create a plan to achieve them. A vital part of the therapy is often identifying the barriers to social engagement and completing various tasks to overcome them. Social recovery therapy could be carried out over several months to maximize benefits. 

The therapist may provide support and encouragement throughout the therapy sessions while tracking progress toward the individual's goals. It may be valuable for an individual to remain committed to the process and actively participate in accomplishing their goals.

Social recovery therapy often consists of individual sessions. However, the techniques and strategies developed during therapy sessions may be applied to interactions with others in group and community environments. Although individual experiences and results may vary, social recovery therapy could improve overall social functioning and quality of life for people with psychosis.

The effectiveness of social recovery therapy often depends on the individual's condition, dedication to the process, and rapport with the therapist. It may be helpful to approach therapy with a willingness to participate in the activities and discussions recommended by the therapist.

Social recovery therapy is primarily designed for young individuals experiencing the first signs of psychosis. This modality may be especially beneficial for those experiencing first-episode psychosis, as it encourages early social recovery and often allows individuals to return to engaging in the activities they enjoy. 

Social recovery therapy may also be an appropriate option for people with mental illnesses. For example, those who often struggle with social disability as a result of psychosis may also find social recovery therapy helpful. Examples of people who might benefit from social recovery therapy include:

• Young people diagnosed with first-episode psychosis or schizophrenia³
• Individuals with long-term psychosis experiencing social difficulties
• Those with severe and complex mental health challenges resulting in social disability

Social recovery therapy focuses on the individual's strengths and challenges. As a result, the individual may be empowered to be more active in social settings and work-related activities. 

Increasing social engagement

One of the primary goals of social recovery therapy is to encourage individuals to actively participate in social settings. Therapists may guide clients to spend more time in social situations and develop interpersonal skills. Through therapy, individuals may seek to create a sense of belonging and a stronger connection to their community. As a result, focusing on social recovery may help individuals have more fulfilling relationships and improve their mental health.

Developing healthy ways to cope

Another goal of social recovery therapy may be to help clients learn effective ways to cope with anxiety or challenging emotions linked to social problems. These skills may help clients manage various challenges in life if they live with a mental health disorder. Social recovery therapy may also help individuals learn new ways to manage their emotions, such as anger management skills. By acquiring these techniques, they may become more confident in difficult situations and improve interpersonal relationships. 

Assisting behavioral change

Another goal of social recovery therapy is to support individuals in making behavioral changes. For instance, an individual who experiences anxiety in social settings might work on strategies to manage their fears and find comfort in social interactions. The outcome could be an improved ability to form meaningful relationships.

Fostering decision-making and personal potential

Social recovery therapy may help individuals learn decision-making skills and explore their full potential. Through self-awareness and reflection, individuals may discover their strengths and areas for growth. This therapeutic process may help individuals align their actions with their values and aspirations to lead healthier, more autonomous lives.

Goal setting can be a central aspect of this therapy. Individuals can make positive changes by identifying areas of improvement, setting realistic goals, and monitoring progress over time. Through accomplishing these goals, social recovery therapy may allow individuals to regain independence. 

Several recent studies have investigated the effects and efficacy of social recovery therapy for improving social outcomes in young adults with psychosis. A study called the Improving Social Recovery in Early Psychosis (ISREP) trial followed up with participants who underwent social recovery therapy two years after therapy and found promising results.

A quarter of the individuals with non-affective psychosis who received this therapy had engaged in paid work in the year following the therapy, while none from the control group did so. In addition, their mental health symptoms did not worsen, and they maintained a hopeful outlook over the 15 months post-therapy. Based on this study’s results, social recovery therapy may be an effective option for supporting employment activities in individuals with early psychosis.

A recent study conducted in the UK examined the efficacy of social recovery therapy for young people aged 16 to 25 with social disability and severe mental health challenges. The study, carried out over 15 months, compared the effectiveness of social recovery therapy combined with enhanced standard care versus enhanced standard care alone. Enhanced standard care included various treatments like medication and different types of psychotherapy.⁴ 

The study's main goal was to increase the time these young people spent in structured activities. The results showed no significant difference between the two groups, so social recovery therapy didn’t notably improve outcomes. However, both groups showed substantial improvements over time, suggesting that social recovery therapy and enhanced standard care could be helpful interventions for those with social disability.

These studies indicate that social recovery therapy may be a potential option for treating young people with emerging or established psychosis. While these results show promise, further research is needed to confirm and understand the therapy's long-term effects and optimal duration.

Finding support with social recovery therapy often involves finding a therapist experienced in treating individuals with psychosis. To get started, you may find directories of therapists specializing in this type of treatment. You can also explore online options, read reviews, and request referrals from healthcare professionals or personal connections to guide your search for a social recovery therapist.

Online therapy platforms may connect individuals with therapists, including those qualified to provide social recovery therapy. For example, an online platform like BetterHelp can offer access to licensed and experienced therapists who can tailor their approach to your preferences. However, online therapy is often not recommended as the primary approach to treating psychosis, mental health crises, and severe mental illness. In these cases, it may be helpful to have multiple support options available. 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy