With the rise of the recovery movement over the past thirty years, more hope exists now than ever before for people diagnosed with serious mental illness to live full, meaningful lives. Designed for use with groups as well as individuals, this workbook provides didactic information and guides users through questions and exercises to encourage increased awareness and acceptance of the self and the effects of mental illness. By actively responding to the questions, users can better organize their thinking and engage in behaviors that will improve quality of life.

Victor Ashear, PhD has worked with patients diagnosed with serious mental illnesses for over forty years. He worked as a clinical psychologist for nearly thirty-four years at the US Department of Veterans Affairs.

Vanessa Hastings works as a technical editor/writer and marketing assistant for national firm SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA). Before joining SWCA, she served as the suicide prevention coordinator for her community.
About the Author: Victor Ashear, PhD has worked with patients diagnosed with serious mental illnesses for over forty years. Based on prevailing research and his own experience, he developed his approach around the central tenant that improvement in the sense of self and acceptance of mental illness diagnosis without stigmatizing oneself are essential for recovery. Dr. Ashear completed his doctorate in psychology at Claremont Graduate University and has worked as a clinical psychologist for nearly thirty-four years at the US Department of Veterans Affairs, primarily at the VA Medical Center in Sheridan Wyoming, where he focused on assisting veterans diagnosed with serious mental illness in residential, inpatient, and outpatient settings. He currently has a private practice in Sheridan.

Vanessa Hastings lives in Sheridan, Wyoming, where she works as a technical editor/writer and marketing assistant for national firm SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA). Before joining SWCA, she served as the suicide prevention coordinator for her community. During that time, she spearheaded and led the development of the Wyoming Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. In all aspects of her life, she strives to use her training and experience in suicide prevention, and her personal experience with mental illness to educate people about mental health, reduce stigma around help-seeking, and reach out to those who are struggling.