Recovery orientation is an approach to thinking and working that emphasizes every person’s potential to recover and find meaning in life – even when mental health challenges are part of everyday life. At Niemikotisäätiö, recovery orientation is a key guiding principle, and it can also offer new perspectives and hope to the loved ones of those in recovery.
Visit to FinFami Uusimaa
Two members of Niemikotisäätiö’s recovery orientation working group, together with an expert by experience, visited the open group for loved ones aged 65+ organized by FinFami Uusimaa. During the meeting, they presented Niemikotisäätiö’s activities, services, and especially the principles of recovery orientation – how they are reflected in daily life and interactions.
The visit was experienced as an inspiring and enlightening event by both the working group and the participants. The family members raised many important observations and questions prompted by the presentation. Many reflected on their own role in their loved one’s recovery and how they could support both the person recovering and their own wellbeing.
What Loved Ones Should Know
In recovery orientation, the idea is that recovery is an individual process influenced by many factors – but where the support of loved ones can play a meaningful role. At the same time, it is important that family members also receive support, information, and opportunities to process their own feelings and experiences.
A loved one can act in the spirit of recovery orientation by, for example:
- Listening and nurturing hope: respecting the person’s own pace and strengths.
- Learning about services and opportunities: collaboration with professionals is important.
- Taking care of their own wellbeing: walking alongside someone in recovery also requires setting boundaries and allowing time for rest.
Continuing Collaboration
After the visit, the FinFami Uusimaa group leader, Catarina Forström, shared warm feedback with Satu Rintala:
““The working group expressed a wish that everyone here at FinFami Uusimaa could experience this session of yours. There was also great enthusiasm for the idea that recovery orientation should be embedded into all of our activities and established as a regular group for family members!”
FinFami hopes for continued collaboration, and the Niemikotisäätiö working group also found the event rewarding and strengthening of mutual understanding.
Moving Toward Recovery Together
Recovery orientation is not only for clients – it is a mindset that also touches family members, professionals, and the whole community. When hope and inclusion are shared, the possibilities for recovery grow for everyone.
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