The basis for Role Recovery is the belief that persons with mental illness can create a future for themselves that is satisfying, fully productive and hopeful.

Recovery is the process of realizing that you can grow beyond the catastrophic effects of mental illness and develop purpose and meaning in life.
(Anthony. 1998).

It includes the idea that any role such as employee, student, parent, friend and/or spouse, lost during the course of the illness, can be regained.

Catastrophic effects means that persons who have a severe mental illness can feel like a tornado has blown through their lives, perhaps many times. But lives can be rebuilt and dreams can be pursued. Recovery means moving beyond mere survival. It is the process of coming to terms with what you have suffered and using those experiences wisely to create a better life for yourself and others.

Role Recovery means that even if you have been diagnosed with a mental illness, you can have a meaningful, productive life. It means that you have the ability and can develop the desire to be actively involved in planning and evaluating your own services. It also means that you have the strengths, abilities and skills required for success and satisfaction in roles you choose in the community.