Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP):

Values, Ethics & Principles

Nanette V. Larson, BA, CRSSDirector, Recovery Support Services

Values & Ethics: Top Ten List

1.Always offer hope2.Strive to treat others as equals, with

dignity, compassion, respect and unconditional high regard

3.Validate their experiences4.All participation is voluntary5.Give choices and options, not final

answers

Values & Ethics: Top Ten List

6.Adaptable to anyone’s personal philosophy7.Unconditionally accept each person8.Focus on simple, safe and common sense

options9.Remain focused on strengths and away

from deficits10.Help others understand that there are

“no limits” to recovery

WRAP: A Self-Directed Service

By definition, the recovery process must be self-directed by the individual

The individual defines his or her own life goals and designs a unique path towards those goals

The individual designs, directs and owns the WRAP plan

WRAP: Foundational Principles

HopePersonal ResponsibilitySupportEducationSelf-AdvocacySpirituality

Foundational Principles: Hope

Hope is the catalyst to the recovery process

Provides the essential and motivating message of a better future

People can and do overcome the barriers and obstacles that confront them

Hope is internalized, but it can be fostered by peers, families, friends, providers and others

Foundational Principles: Hope

Overcome Hopelessness My own The other person’s

Refrain from Negative Predictions My own The other person’s

Set Goals

Foundational Principles: Hope

Communicate hope in every way you can!

Strive daily to fight hopelessnessRefrain from negative predictionsAssist the individual in identifying

his/her own goals and to believe he/she can achieve them

Foundational Principles: Personal Responsibility

Making Good Choices The right to take risks The right to make a mistake The right to fail

Developing Action Steps Based on my goals Start with small steps

Foundational Principles: Personal Responsibility

Help the individual gain insight into how his/her choices may affect his/her goals

Assist him/her in identifying steps to achieve his/her goals

Respond with dignity and respect regarding his/her choices, and the outcome of those choices

Foundational Principles: Support

Mutual support, including the sharing of experiential knowledge and skills and social learning

Encourage one another and engage each other in recovery

Provide each other with a sense of belonging, supportive relationships, valued roles and community

Foundational Principles: Support

Encouragement Good supporters are hopeful and helpful

Openness Trusting a supporter enough to ask, “What do

you think?”

Accountability Trusting a supporter enough to allow him/her

to ask me, “How’s it going?”

Foundational Principles: Support

Teach characteristics of good and bad supporters

Assist the individual in identifying supporters

Guard against becoming the person’s chief/primary supporter

Foundational Principles: Education

Getting Good Information Knowledge is Power Information Sought is Related to the Goal

Desired Good Information Facilitates Good Choices

Foundational Principles: Education

Teach the importance of getting lots of information before making a decision

Assist the individual in identifying/locating information related to goals

Foundational Principles: Self-Advocacy

Effective CommunicationSituational Judgment

Remain focused on the goal: what am I trying to achieve here?

Determine what will be the most effective approach/style/method for the situation

Supporters can be helpful participants in the process

Foundational Principles: Self-Advocacy

Teach, teach, teach – effective communication is a lifelong skill!

Offer your supportSuggest the possibility of another

supporter who may be able to assistDebrief situations as they happen: What

went well? How to improve?

Foundational Principles: Spirituality

Recovery encompasses an individual’s whole life, including Mind Body Spirit Community

Spirituality, creativity, social networks, community participation, complementary & naturalistic services

Foundational Principles: Spirituality

Finding Meaning and Purpose Essential for Hope and Motivation

Question One: “What matters to you the most?”

Question Two: “What keeps you going?”

Foundational Principles: Spirituality

Meaning and purposeValues and principlesSense of communitySpiritual practices

Foundational Principles: Spirituality

Help the individual see beyond the current circumstance

Ask thought-provoking questions Remember: what matters most to the

person is what will propel them forward

Thank You!

Nanette V. Larson, BA, CRSS Director, Recovery Support Services DHS/Division of Mental Health 5407 N. University St. Peoria, IL 61614 (309) 693-5228 Nanette.Larson@illinois.gov