Psycho-social Rehabilitation

Psychosocial Rehabilitation Practitioner

Beacon Program

The Beacon Program practices Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) through a Growth and Recovery model for the treatment of persons with severe and persistent mental illness. The trend in mental health care for some time has been to move away from the Medical Model of care and towards the Recovery Model, which has an emphasis on deinstitutionalization and rehabilitation. This model recognizes that recovery must be self-directed, individualized and strengths-based. It recognizes the importance of empowering the individual, holistic care, growth occurring at varying rates, peer support, and respect. Psychosocial Rehabilitation is in harmony with the Recovery Model and identifies the same components of recovery: the Recovery Model presents a philosophy of recovery, the PSR work is a specific structured technology which PSR practitioners use to assist people in pursuing their individual recovery.

What does recovery mean? Recovery is not the same as being cured. Recovery is a journey, marked by small steps, towards reaching one’s ultimate potential. Dr. Patricia Deegan (a renowned “psychiatric survivor”) spoke of recovery as being “a process, a way of life, an attitude, and a way of approaching the day’s challenges.” Often, recovering from the consequences of mental illness is more difficult than recovering from the illness itself. Symptoms may be eased by medication, but the effects of stigma; institutionalization; lack of opportunity for self-determination, community access and social interaction; unemployment; and other life set-backs due to illness persist and take time and effort to overcome. PSR practitioners recognize that recovery, as defined by the individual, is possible for all people living with mental illness, and that individuals themselves hold the key to their recovery. The role of the PSR practitioner is to facilitate recovery by guiding the client to a better understanding of him/herself and helping the client to determine and meet goals which are in accordance with their wants, needs and personal values.

PSR had its roots in the deinstitutionalization movement in the U.S. in the 1960’s and 70’s, and the ensuing failure of this due to inadequate supports and resources for those who were transitioned into the community. It found a cohesive structure in the 1980’s through the work of Dr. William Anthony at Boston University, and the Growth and Recovery technology used by the Beacon Program was originally based on this, although adapted and modified. Since it’s inception, PSR has grown in popularity globally as mental health professionals have come to recognize it as a “best practice” for treatment of persons with mental illness.

The Growth and Recovery work focuses on four areas: living, learning, working and socializing, and is broken into eight modules. By working through the modules with their coordinator, clients of the program are able to make changes to address dissatisfactions and become more successful in their lives. The Growth and Recovery work is highly individualized, and progresses differently with each client. Although the Modules are very structured, with each one building on the work of the previous, the material is adapted and applied when and however it best serves the changing needs of the client over the course of the program.

Having seen the positive results of Psychosocial Rehabilitation first-hand, I count myself very fortunate to be involved in this work. One of the things I enjoy the most is spending my time with staff and clients who consistently show regard for the dignity, individuality and well-being of those around them.

Ashley D Perry