An example of a recovery-oriented approach is:

Focusing on wellness, choice, and abilities represents a recovery-oriented approach because it emphasizes empowering individuals to take an active role in their own recovery process. This approach recognizes that recovery is not solely about the absence of symptoms or deficits, but about achieving a fulfilling life despite those challenges. It values personal strengths and preferences, allowing individuals to make their own choices regarding their treatment and recovery journey, which is crucial in fostering a sense of agency and ownership over their lives.

In contrast, approaches that focus on deficits, position clinicians as the main source of information, or concentrate on clinical stability tend to emphasize the illness and may not engage individuals in a meaningful way regarding their recovery. These methods can sometimes overshadow the importance of personal empowerment, wellness, and the identification of individual strengths, which are central to effective recovery-oriented practices.