Roadmap to recovery stories-?A novel technological model for social change in people with SMI

Narrative therapy approaches suggest that people can re-narrate their life and personal stories, and through this feel empowered and their well-being may also improve (Zilber et al., 2008). “Amitim for rights” program by the Israeli MOH and The Israeli association of community centers (IACC) aims to promote social change and fulfillment of rights in mental health.The program has developed a technological tool that promotes recovery in people with SMI through telling their personal recovery story. The purpose of the process is to support the recovery process and reduce self and social stigma. At the peak of the aforesaid process, people will narrate their recovery story to their close and far environments, thus promoting social change (Shteinman & Adler-Ben Dor, 2022).Indeed, research suggests that telling one’s story can be extremely meaningful in one’s recovery journey (Nurser et al.,2018).

The road map model for recovery story building, is a novel technological tool that is already implemented and includes seven stages: (1) ‘The compass’- basic questions that lead the process of writing and story rebuilding such as: who is the audience, goal and message to convey through the recovery story;(2) Choosing and in-depth describing significant life events in the recovery process;(3) Writing and re-writing the story and allows the story to be externalized, thus allowing audience the listen and accept the story (Carlson & Erickson, 2001);(5) The promotion of social change in the audience;(5) Re-building a new identity and mediate their recovery story to themselves and their surroundings (Roe et al., 2014);(6) Renewed relationships and mental health oriented social change (Corrigan, 2020). 

The development and implementation of the recovery promoting technological tool led to new recovery narratives in the employees at ‘Amitim for rights’ program. Thus, positively effecting their personal well-being in general and specifically their recovery, as well as audiences’ perspectives.