A Person First Approach to Mental Health
Our unique Person First approach aligns itself with the tenet of client-centered therapy, most widely associated with the theories and research of Carl Rogers (especially 1961: 'On becoming a Person'). Equally a Person First approach has roots within the ideas of Paul Tournier (especially 1940: 'The Healing of Persons').
A Person First approach is also informed by a variety of influences including Transpersonal Psychology, Taoist and Zen Buddhist philosophy and linguistic and semiotic theory as well as the most up-to-date research and theory. We developed the approach in 2008 in the provision of a range of clinical services and mental health courses for health providers and charities.
The approach differs from the ethos of person-first language or terminology in that it does not aspire to a disability model, rather an holistic paradigm in which personhood is seen as a given: a definite known that should be validated as intrinsic, irrespective of race, culture, disability, et cetera.
The Person First approach outlines eight broad objectives in order to regain ownership of self and reclaim personhood: Reparation, Reconciliation, Realignment, Reclamation, Reformation, Recognition, Resilience, and finally Recovery. Within this approach a variety of therapeutic tools and modalities are used within a framework in which no single paradigm takes precedence.
What does this mean in practice? Working without reliance on a diagnosis and connecting to the Person First! That's not to to say we should completely disregard diagnostics but rather recognise that they are merely a signpost to the solution without making them a lens through which we regard a person. The hard work that is undertaken by a client, with the help of a clinician within the therapeutic relationship, is the key to recovery. It means being radically optimistic that the person who may need help can eventually rely upon their own resilience to recover.
We encourage consideration of these dynamics in every endeavour. We also try and have as much fun as possible as well. People learn and recover more when laughing. In the words of Patch Adams, when speaking about the similarly between the role of a doctor and a clown:
"The role of a clown and a physician are the same - it's to elevate the possible and to relieve suffering."
If you would like to learn more about Person First Solutions Clinical Services you can contact us at our clinic on 01254 387209 or visit www.baxendenclinic.co.uk
If you would like to find out more about our many inspirational and informative mental health training courses please call our course enquiry line: 07843046558
For more information about our services please visit www.personfirstsolutions.com.
Founder @ Discover My Mind | Emotional Intelligence Training
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