Traditional clinical definitions of recovery are associated with individuals returning to a prior state of “normality” or with a
“cure”. In the context of mental health disorders, historically this has been viewed as a remission of symptoms and a return to normal behavioral functioning. More recent conceptualizations of recovery have been referred to as “personal
recovery” (Slade, 2009). This shifts the meaning of recovery towards a process that a person uses to achieve a satisfying
life beyond the limitations that are caused by a mental illness (Anthony, 1993). Recovery is less about getting rid of the
symptoms or problems and more about developing a greater hopefulness,meaning, and purpose in life and a positive sense of identity beyond that associated with having a mental illness. Personal recovery has been described as a journey
that is about growth and as taking control of, and responsibility for, one’s life (Andresen et al., 2003).