From an Integrative Cognitive Model of Mood Swings and Bipolar Disorders to a Transdiagnostic, Recovery-Oriented Approach

In this chapter, I describe the journey from the lived experience of people with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, through a cognitive model of problematic mood swings and bipolar disorders and its associated interventions, towards a universal recovery approach that is again, grounded in lived experience. This approach will conceptualise the role of mental health services as providing support for people in making choices regarding how to deal with disempowerment in their lives, how to bring about empowerment and how to begin to take greater responsibility over their life decisions.