Forensic Mental Health Service Users Narratives of Recovery

This thesis aims to explore the recovery experiences of forensic mental health service users. In doing so, it seeks to add to the small but growing field of literature exploring the application of recovery principles in forensic settings.
Paper one is a review of the current literature, synthesising the recovery experiences and perceptions of forensic mental health service users. A total of 10 papers were included in the thematic review. Five themes were identified; hope; connecting with others; meaningful occupation, roles and identity; the powerful environment of the hospital; and coming to terms with the past and diagnosis.
Paper two is an empirical paper which explores the recovery stories of five male participants who had been detained in a low secure forensic service and discharged into the community. A narrative analysis reveals the shared personal, community and dominant cultural recovery narratives. Counterstories were also identified. The findings are discussed in relation to the clinical implications, in particular how to work within a cultural narrative of openness about mental illness stories, but secrecy around offending narratives. Further research implications are also discussed.
Paper three is an executive summary which seeks to provide an accessible summary of the empirical research paper. This provides an overview of the research, highlighting the key points and salient information in terms of clinical implications for service delivery in a forensic context.