Autonomy support and recovery practice at a psychosocial clubhouse

Purpose: To explore how recovery practices are embodied in the behavior of staff and implemented by staff and members at a psychosocial clubhouse.

Design and Methods: Case study design guided 120 hr of participation observation and 18 interviews at a psychosocial clubhouse. Data were subjected to thematic analysis guided by self-determination theory.

Findings: "Autonomy support" emerged as an overarching theme, with three subthemes: "voice cultivating," "talent scouting," and "confidence coaching."

Practice implications: Autonomy support is an important means of supporting the self-determination of clubhouse members. The findings of this study inform the ongoing development of the clubhouse involved and also provide insights for health services generally in relation to how to implement recovery-oriented practice.