Graphic of the Health Restart Guide cover
Download the HRS Coaching Guide
Graphic of the Healthy Restart Participant Handouts cover
Download the HRS Participant Handouts

About the intervention & guide

Healthy Restart is designed to help people with serious mental health conditions use their self-identified strengths to recover and move forward in life. It draws upon evidence-based tenets of positive psychology, self-determination theory, motivational interviewing, and peer coaching to promote growth and wellness, particularly following difficult life events.
 
Wellness coaches guide participants through a structured assessment of their strengths, followed by a process to select a life goal and develop achievable action steps. Support is provided over the course of four months to help participants work on their goal, overcome barriers, and celebrate achievements. 

Who can use it?

The program was developed to help people with serious mental health conditions, but it can be used with anyone who wants to initiate a healthy restart in life. 

How does it work?
After a strengths-based orientation process, wellness coaches guide participants through an inventory of their current life circumstances, based on the 8 Dimensions of Wellness, including physical, social, occupational, financial, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and environmental.
 
After choosing one dimension of focus, participants use a systematic planning process to select a goal and develop action steps, with ongoing support from their coaches. Periodic progress reviews allow participants to add new action steps or change goals as they reflect on their successes and emerging needs. Personal growth is encouraged within a context of acceptance and encouragement aimed at activating participants’ internal motivation and self-confidence. 

What resources are needed?
  • A computer to download intervention materials, as well as to offer the program via videoconferencing technology if desired
  • A printer and copier to make copies of the handouts for participants
  • Pencils or pens for participants to complete handouts
  • A private room or space 
  • Knowledge of local/community resources that participants can explore to meet their goals 

What experience is needed?
Because the intervention is geared towards people who are struggling, we recommend that the intervention be facilitated by people who are trained to deliver peer support and who have access to regular supervision. Given the aim of the intervention, facilitators should be at a point in their own recovery process where they can support others emotionally. They also should have experience working with people who are facing challenging life events. Additionally, it is helpful to be familiar with wellness coaching, motivational interviewing, and strengths-based recovery concepts. 

Preparing to teach the course
  1. Read all the intervention materials prior to offering Healthy Restart to others.
  2. Ensure that you have access to ongoing supervision/support yourself.
  3. Review these resources to gain foundational knowledge about wellness coaching and peer support: