The Research Interest Group "Growing better lives" has conducted research exploring a novel engagement processes with therapeutic services for individuals diagnosed with personality disorders.

Project 1: Choose and engage

As the ‘Open Day’ is often the entry route for service users into treatment, clinicians provided information about personality disorders, offered the opportunity for the completion of assessments. Open discussion about which services might best suit identified needs in order to inform their decision about whether to engage.

A thematic analysis of the ‘Open Day’ was conducted and a questionnaire developed for use on subsequent open days.

http://growingbetterlives.org/growing-better-lives-social-futures/choice-and-engagment-research/

Project 2: Greencare

Also known as ecotherapy, "Greencare" is a therapeutic approach where contact with nature forms an integral part of the healing process. Formulated as a recovery group its aims are to engage, stabilise and enable people with complex emotional needs such as those with personality disorders.  Greencare activities involve; social horticulture, rural crafts, animal assisted interventions, care farming along with formal therapeutic processes like checking in and mindfulness. Underlying all Greencare activities is a ethos which aims at reduce any power dynamics that can so often skew therapeutic interactions.

"It's not them and us. You can speak to everyone about what you want. It's very casual. We all work together to do everything here, which is lovely."

Central to Greencare is a therapeutic focus placed on always seeing individuals ‘with’ others as part of a network of relationships rather than individually (1:1) in a dyadic relationship. Engaging in Greencare, individuals find it easy to find others with whom they can reconnect socially to experience the interpersonal healing that helps stimulate recovery as a result of the courage to branch out.

http://growingbetterlives.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Greencare-Poster_BIGSPD_Handout-_-A4.pdf

For more information about either project, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tel: 07768549963