Fundamentals of Recovery from edX

Recovery in mental health and addiction is much more than the absence of illness or mental disorders. It is in fact a process of continuous change by which people with the lived experience of a behavioral health problem improve their overall health and well-being, lead an independent life and strive to achieve their full potential. Individually, recovery is something very personal for each person, but perhaps we can collectively bring together the necessary conditions to facilitate and encourage recovery as a trajectory of emancipation?

The experiential knowledge of users of mental health and addiction services as a primary source of knowledge of recovery is the basis of this course, which gives a central place to peer support workers as co-learning partners. A peer support worker is a person who is experiencing or has experienced a significant behavioral health problem and whose attitudes, personal skills and training make them a model of positive recovery for both those being cared for and for caregivers and providers. They represent a source of hope and a return to the power to act while providing psychosocial support to the people they support. In this way, peer support workers promote recognition, by the peers they are supporting and the professionals with whom they are in contact, of the value of lived experience and experiential knowledge.

What's inside

Learning objective

This training, open to all, is the result of an international collaboration between academics and peer support workers from a dozen countries spread across five continents. it was designed by the université de montréal and the research center of the institut universitaire en santé mentale de montréal , in partnership with the program for recovery & community health at yale university. in this course, the fundamentals of recovery are presented through ten chapters, each presenting a dimension of recovery.

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Offers insights into the recovery process, emphasizing the importance of experiential knowledge and peer support in mental health and addiction services

Explores the concept of recovery as a process of change, aiming to improve overall health, well-being, and independence for individuals with behavioral health problems

Highlights the role of peer support workers as models of positive recovery, promoting recognition of the value of lived experience and experiential knowledge

Developed through an international collaboration between academics and peer support workers, offering diverse perspectives on recovery from around the world

Reviews summary

Insightful course on recovery fundamentals

According to learners, this course provides a positive and foundational understanding of recovery in mental health and addiction, emphasizing the crucial role of lived experience and peer support. Students highlight the insightful content and clear structure as major strengths. While many find the material highly relevant and thought-provoking, some note that the course is heavily theoretical and could benefit from more focus on practical application strategies. Overall, it's considered an excellent starting point for those new to the field or looking to deepen their understanding, though experienced professionals might seek more advanced, hands-on content elsewhere.

Excellent introduction, but further study needed.

"This is an excellent course if you are completely new to the concept of recovery in mental health."

"It's a great introduction, but definitely just the beginning. Plan to do more learning afterward."

"Provides a broad overview, which is perfect as a first step."

"Found it very helpful as a foundational course before diving into more specialized areas."

Focus is on theory; lacks practical strategies.

"While the theory is excellent, I was hoping for more practical tools and strategies for applying these fundamentals."

"Could use more real-world case studies or examples of how the concepts are implemented in practice."

"Felt it was a bit too academic at times; wished for more guidance on 'how to' rather than just 'what is'."

"The conceptual framework is strong, but applying it in daily work felt less covered."

Well-organized course with distinct chapters.

"The division into ten dimensions of recovery made the course very easy to follow and understand."

"I found the structure of the course to be logical and progressive, building knowledge effectively."

"Lectures were well-organized and presented clearly."

"The course flowed well from one topic to the next."

Content is eye-opening and provides a solid base.

"This course was truly eye-opening and gave me a completely new perspective on recovery."

"It provides a very solid foundation on the core principles of recovery. Highly recommended for beginners."

"The content is incredibly insightful and well-researched."

"Gained a clear understanding of the fundamental dimensions of recovery."

Strong focus on the value of personal recovery journeys.

"The course's focus on lived experience and peer support is incredibly valuable and sets it apart."

"I deeply appreciated how the material centered the voices and knowledge of those who have experienced recovery firsthand."

"Understanding the recovery process through the lens of individuals who have walked the path made the concepts much more impactful."

"Learned so much about the unique and essential contributions of peer support workers."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Fundamentals of Recovery with these activities:

Review basic concepts of mental health

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Reinforce your understanding of fundamental mental health concepts before diving into recovery-specific topics.

Browse courses on Psychological Well-being

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Review introductory materials on mental health from previous coursework or online resources.
Focus on key concepts such as mental disorders, diagnosis, and treatment approaches.
Identify any gaps in your knowledge and seek clarification.

Create a personal recovery story

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Reflect on your own experiences or those of others to create a narrative that illustrates the recovery process.

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Reflect on personal experiences related to mental health or addiction.
Outline the key events, challenges, and turning points in the recovery journey.
Write a narrative that conveys the emotions, insights, and lessons learned.
Share the story with others (optional).

Participate in a peer support group

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Engage with others who have lived experience to share insights and learn from their recovery journeys.

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Identify a local or online peer support group focused on mental health or addiction recovery.
Attend a meeting and actively listen to others' stories.
Share your own experiences and insights (if comfortable).
Reflect on the common themes and challenges that emerge in the group.

Three other activities

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Recovery: The Empirical Evidence of Benefits

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Deepen your understanding of the research supporting recovery-oriented practices.

View Melania on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the book.
Read the introductory chapters to understand the scope of the research.
Focus on chapters relevant to specific dimensions of recovery discussed in the course.
Summarize key findings and reflect on their implications for practice.

The Strengths Model: A Recovery-Oriented Approach to Mental Health Services

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Explore a strengths-based approach to recovery and its practical applications.

View The Strengths Model: A Recovery-Oriented... on Amazon

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Acquire a copy of the book.
Read the introductory chapters to understand the core principles of the Strengths Model.
Examine case studies and examples of how the model is applied in practice.
Reflect on how the Strengths Model aligns with or differs from other recovery approaches discussed in the course.

Volunteer at a mental health organization

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Gain practical experience and contribute to the recovery of others by volunteering at a mental health organization.

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Research local mental health organizations that offer volunteer opportunities.
Contact the organization and inquire about available roles.
Complete any necessary training or screening requirements.
Volunteer your time and skills to support the organization's mission.

Career center

Learners who complete Fundamentals of Recovery will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Peer Support Specialist

The role of a peer support specialist provides crucial assistance to individuals navigating mental health and addiction challenges. This course directly emphasizes the significance of peer support workers as co-learning partners, highlighting their role as models of positive recovery. The course's focus on the experiential knowledge of users of mental health and addiction services aligns perfectly with the core responsibilities of a peer support worker. By understanding the fundamentals of recovery through the dimensions presented in the course, a specialist can provide more effective psychosocial support and promote the value of lived experience within their communities.

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Mental Health Counselor

A mental health counselor provides guidance and support to individuals and groups dealing with emotional and mental health issues. This course, focusing on the fundamentals of recovery in mental health and addiction, offers valuable insights into the recovery process as a trajectory of emancipation. The course's attention to the experiential knowledge of service users can help a mental health counselor better understand their clients' perspectives and tailor treatment approaches. The course's ten chapters, each presenting a dimension of recovery, may be useful in developing a more holistic approach to counseling.

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Addiction Counselor

An addiction counselor supports individuals struggling with substance abuse and addiction by providing counseling and developing treatment plans. This course, with its focus on recovery in both mental health and addiction, offers a strong foundation for understanding the complexities of addiction recovery. The emphasis on experiential knowledge and the role of peer support workers can help an addiction counselor create a more empathetic and effective therapeutic environment. The course's exploration of the dimensions of recovery will help an addiction counselor to address the various aspects of the recovery journey.

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Social Worker

Social workers often work with vulnerable populations, including those facing mental health and addiction challenges, connecting them to resources and support systems. This course, emphasizing recovery as a continuous process of change, provides a framework for understanding the needs and experiences of individuals on their recovery journey. The course's focus on peer support and experiential knowledge can help a social worker build stronger relationships with clients and advocate for their needs more effectively. The collaboration between academics and peer support workers in the course's design underscores the importance of considering both professional and lived experiences in social work practice.

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Rehabilitation Specialist

Rehabilitation specialists assist individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses in improving their quality of life and achieving their goals. This course, focusing on recovery in mental health and addiction, provides insights into the rehabilitation process for individuals facing these challenges. The course's emphasis on the experiential knowledge of service users and the role of peer support workers aligns with the principles of client-centered rehabilitation. The course's exploration of the dimensions of recovery may be useful in a creating a comprehensive rehabilitation plan that addresses the various aspects of an individual's well-being.

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Case Manager

Case managers coordinate services and support for individuals with complex needs, often including those with mental health and addiction issues. This course, focused on the fundamentals of recovery, offers valuable information for case managers seeking to improve their understanding of the recovery process. The course's emphasis on peer support and experiential knowledge can help a case manager build stronger relationships with clients and advocate for their needs more effectively. The information about the dimensions of recovery is applicable to the development of effective case management plans.

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Community Health Worker

Community health workers provide outreach, education, and support to individuals and communities, often focusing on health promotion and disease prevention. This course, with its emphasis on recovery in mental health and addiction, provides relevant knowledge for community health workers seeking to address these issues within their communities. The course's focus on peer support and experiential knowledge can help a community health worker build trust with community members and promote access to services. The course's international perspective, drawing on experiences from multiple countries, could enrich a community health worker's understanding of diverse approaches to recovery.

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Mental Health Advocate

A mental health advocate champions the rights and needs of individuals with mental health conditions, working to reduce stigma and improve access to services. This course, by emphasizing the experiential knowledge of service users and the role of peer support workers, reinforces the importance of elevating the voices of those with lived experience. The course's focus on recovery as a process of emancipation aligns with the goals of mental health advocacy. The dimensions of recovery presented in the course can inform advocacy efforts by highlighting the various aspects of well-being that are important to individuals in recovery.

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Substance Abuse Counselor

Substance abuse counselors guide individuals through the challenging path of overcoming addiction, using therapeutic techniques and support systems. Given this course centers on the fundamentals of recovery, with a significant focus on addiction, it provides a framework for understanding relapse prevention, coping mechanisms, and long-term sobriety. The emphasis on personal experiences and peer support enhances the understanding of the emotional and psychological aspects of addiction. A substance abuse counselor can use this course's teachings to build trust with clients and provide tailored care.

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Psychiatric Technician

Psychiatric technicians work under the supervision of psychiatrists and nurses to provide direct care and support to patients with mental health conditions. This course on the fundamentals of recovery can help psychiatric technicians better understand the recovery process and provide more empathetic and effective care. The course's emphasis on peer support and experiential knowledge can help a psychiatric technician build stronger relationships with patients and promote their recovery. The various dimensions of recovery discussed will help the technician to see patients holistically.

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Residential Counselor

Residential counselors provide support and guidance to individuals living in residential treatment facilities, often for mental health or substance abuse issues. This course, focused on the fundamentals of recovery, offers valuable insights into the needs and challenges faced by individuals in residential care. The course's emphasis on peer support and experiential knowledge can help a residential counselor create a more supportive and therapeutic environment. The course's international perspective, drawing on experiences from multiple countries, can inform a residential counselor's approach to care.

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Health Educator

Health educators develop and implement programs to promote healthy behaviors and prevent disease within communities. This course, with its emphasis on recovery in mental health and addiction, provides relevant knowledge for health educators seeking to address these issues within their communities. The course's focus on peer support and experiential knowledge can help a health educator design more effective and culturally sensitive programs. The course may also be useful when trying to address mental health stigma.

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Human Resources Generalist

A human resources generalist handles various HR functions, including employee relations and well-being. This course, while focused on mental health and addiction recovery, may offer insights into supporting employees facing these challenges. The HR person can apply the course’s learning objectives to implement supportive workplace policies, promote mental health awareness, and understand the importance of peer support programs. This course will help improve employee well-being and reduce stigma in the workplace.

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Public Policy Analyst

The public policy analyst researches and analyzes policy issues, developing recommendations for government action. This course's themes of mental health and recovery may be useful when crafting policy centered on the needs of vulnerable populations. The information about peer support may be useful in understanding how to leverage community networks. The dimensions of recovery could also be useful in developing comprehensive, holistic policy.

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Research Assistant

A research assistant supports researchers by collecting data, conducting literature reviews, and analyzing findings. This course's international collaboration between academics and peer support workers, along with its focus on the fundamentals of recovery, provides a relevant context for research assistants working in related fields. The course serves as an overview of recovery concepts. This overview may be applicable to the design or analysis of research studies.

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Fundamentals of Recovery

What's inside

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Reviews summary

Insightful course on recovery fundamentals

Activities

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