Support groups
are an important tool for facilitating recovery; for instance, recent studies
have shown positive recovery outcomes/results with Wellness Recovery Action
Planning (WRAP) (Copeland, 1997; Cook et al., 2009; Barbic, Krupa, &
Armstrong, 2009; Sterling et al., 2010), the Recovery Workbook (Cook et al.,
2009), and Pathways to Recovery: A Strengths Recovery Self-Help Workbook (PTR) (Fukui,
2010; Ridgeway, McDiarmid, Davidson, Bayes, & Ratzlaff, 2002). To
illustrate, The WRAP program was developed by Mary Ellen Copeland, who is a
mental health consumer. She wanted to live well and promote recovery (1997);
with that being said, it is important for consumers to know that they are the
central base of their own health and wellbeing. While some organizations have
implemented WRAP into their programs, Scott and Wilson (2010) point out that it
is important to allow consumers to decide if the WRAP lifestyle is something
that they can achieve, because some consumers might feel that WRAP is not for
them. It is vital to allow consumers to try skills and to determine what works
for them and what doesn’t, so that they don’t become frustrated with the mental
health system. Therefore, allowing consumers to remain engaged in services, and
providing them with the elements of recovery that will help them to develop a set
of tools that are beneficial to them.
SAMSHA
has recognized the family-to-family program, which is offered by the National
Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), as a ‘prominent
example’ of a program that promotes recovery by involving and supporting
families. (SAMSHA, 2011). The NAMI organization offers a range of free
educational programs and support programs. The educational and support programs
are offered throughout the United States, and information about programs in
specific locations can be assessed on their website. These programs include:
Peer-to-Peer, NAMI Support Group, In Our Own Voice and much more (NAMI, n.d.:
SAMSHA, 2011).
Spiritual Views
When
a consumer wishes to explore their spiritual views and religious resources,
mental health professionals should be respectful and supportive because
“spiritual well-being is moderately related to psychological well-being;”
furthermore, Fukui, Starnino, & Nelson-Becker (2012) discovered that
“involvement in religious activities contributed to increased self-perceptions
regarding making sense of life…” and “…Attending religious community activities
might help people find their path when searching for meaning in life” (p. 208).
There are values that can be found in the bible that elevate one to learn
forgiveness, honesty, love, self-respect, and other moral values[1].
For instance:
The
second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
There is no commandment greater than these (Mark 12:31, New International
Translation).
Return
evil for evil to no one (Romans 12:17, New World Translation, 2013 Revision).
Bear
with one another; if anyone has a complaint against someone else, forgive him.
Indeed, just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must forgive (Colossians
3:13, Complete Jewish Bible).
Life
can be likened to a sailboat gliding along the water when the captain
experiences a storm. The captain is forced to adjust the boats sails. Why?
Because he is not in control of the storm, the strong winds and crashing waves.
But by making adjustments, he may remain in control of his sailboat. In a
comparable way, people often have no control over adversities that they
encounter in life. But they can keep control of their life, to the extent
possible, by adjusting the way they use physical, mental, and emotional
resources. Thus, it can be beneficial to direct spiritual ones to versus found
in the bible that will help them find more joy in life during trying times. For
example:
It is important
to focus on the here and now, because dwelling on past mistakes or bad deeds
are not beneficial…
But there is forgiveness with thee {GOD}, That
thou mayest be feared (Psalm 130:4, American Standard Version).
It is possible
to change with the help of God and his spirit…
Do not be
conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that
by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable
and perfect (Romans 12:2, English Standard Version).
Do not worry
about tomorrow…
So never be
anxious about the next day, for the next day will have its own anxieties. Each
day has enough of its own troubles. (Matthew 6:34, New World Translation, 2013
Revision).
Professionals
have to make sure they don’t push religion on a consumer; as that could be a
violation of some organizational policies and code of ethics. On the other
hand, failure to recognize one’s spirituality can result in unethical treatment
and be a failure of the helping professional to provide effective coping skills
(Souza, 2002, p.216).
[1]
This does not mean, or imply, that individuals that don’t believe in the bible
or god cannot display moral values.
No comments:
Post a Comment