Can Motivational Groups Promote Recovery in Forensic Settings?

Abstract

This paper explores the extent to which a motivational program in a high secure psychiatric hospital can achieve its goal of promoting recovery. The evaluation utilized focus groups to explore the experiences of service users who had completed a 12-week motivation program between October 2010 and March 2013. Using thematic and saliency analysis, five main themes emerged suggesting that the program had a positive impact on a variety of recovery-related factors such as: confidence, hope, taking control and responsibility, identifying strengths, and improving access to social support. Findings support the notion that forensic mental health services can be recovery-focused.

• motivational group
• motivational interviewing
• forensic
• high secure
• recovery
• mental health services