Procovery

Procovery describes the process of how individuals with serious and chronic illnesses and injuries can build healthier and more fulfilling lives, notwithstanding the possible continuing presence or worsening of symptoms.

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Procovery is defined as "attaining a productive and fulfilling life regardless of the level of health assumed attainable." The word was first used in print in 1996 by Kathleen Crowley in an article in the Spring 1996 issue of the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal titled "Five Psychiatric Steps That Matter." In that article she wrote:

As William Anthony describes, "Recovery involves the development of new meaning and purposes in one’s life as one grows beyond the catastrophic effects of mental illness." It may be that the general meaning of the word "recovery" stands in the way of this powerful concept; perhaps a new word such as "procovery" might be adopted to refer to the recovery of a productive life regardless of the level of health attainable.(Footnote)

(Footnote) Dictionaries emphasize the concept of "returning to" or "regaining" health, originating according to Webster’s from the Middle French recoverer and the Latin recuperare. Whatever the word, I believe the concept, which is excellently outlined in Anthony’s article cited above, is both essential and encouraging.)

In 2000, Crowley published The Power of Procovery in Healing, defining a model of Procovery with eight principles and twelve strategies that can be learned and applied by consumers, family, and professionals.

An integrated and cross-cultural model for developing resilience in healing, Procovery has been effectively applied in diverse settings for mental and physical illnesses and injuries as well as substance abuse.