Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP)

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The recovery approach (Mental Health Foundation, 2018; Hummelvoll, 2015) is based upon the principles of self-determination, choice, individual control, and person-centred care (Field & Reed, 2016). Created through supporting individual’s resilience increase and setting SMART (ref) goals to enable active participation in meaningful life experiences despite having a mental illness (Grundy et al., 2016; Jacob, 2015). The Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) (Copeland, 1997), promotes active participation to produce a tangible and flexible method of meeting needs (Bee et al., 2018). The WRAP provides a sense of ownership in which Rob can reiterate that he is the expert of his own life, to support facilitation of a caring environment to empower …show more content…

The learning disability nurse must be equipped with specialist knowledge and skills to facilitate a meaningful experience of intervention for Rob (McLoughlin & Armitage, 2014). The first proposed intervention is the use of a creative support opportunity in which Rob can express and explore his feelings and emotions of loss (Tomlinson, 2018; Toma et al., 2014). Creativity can be a useful intervention for individuals with communication impairments or those who struggle with the emotional expression of their experience of bereavement (Uttley et al., 2015; Mallon, 2008). Worden (2001) suggested that individuals need to express grief to accept, experience and adjust to life without the deceased. Creative methods and narrative approaches such as life story or memory books allow individuals to reflect on feelings and experiences which can be directed into resolving any conflicting emotions, thus enhancing catharsis (Raghaven & Pradip, 2008). Life story work can encompass the notion of reminiscence therapy to facilitate recollection of life events and feelings to improve quality of life and adjustment to change (Elias et al., 2015; Wills & Day, …show more content…

The themes highlighted within the research encompassed the need for inclusion, emotional expression difficulties, and the importance of a continued relationship following death (Rief, 2017; Thorpe et al, 2017). The nurse can utilise the life story work to support theories of existential therapy; based upon a humanistic approach, emotional processing, promotion of acceptance and change, and recognition of individual life experiences, for the promotion of mental health and growth (Wolfe, 2016; Hall, 2014). Creative arts provide a person-centred approach that facilitates a safe method of unique expression alongside empowering Rob, improving self-esteem, and providing a sense of purpose, supporting through the journey of recovery (Brady et al., 2017; Caddy et al., 2012; Buglass, 2010). Incorporating Rob’s enjoyment of art with the life story work would be beneficial and can increase his confidence to continue with this activity after the intervention has finished. Evidence supports the use of creative interventions for the promotion of relaxation, which can reduce stress and the consequential complications of stress (Leckley, 2011). Creativity provides individuals with a voice, and through this Rob can recall positive and negative life experiences to realise his true competence at dealing with life challenges (Kalisch et al., 2017; Dennison & Mee,

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