A new study titled “Designing recovery-oriented care: a qualitative study to inform service design at Kyrie Therapeutic Farm in Ireland” explores how therapeutic farm communities can implement recovery-oriented mental health practices. Published in Cambridge University Press, it states that recovery-oriented approaches are gaining increased attention in the mental health sector, including from the World Health Organization and the United Nations, for their potential to support people in recovering and building meaningful lives through strengths-based, person-centered principles. Kyrie Therapeutic Farm (KTF) is a new initiative in Ireland that seeks to develop recovery-oriented model of adult mental health care. The aim of the study was to explore the barriers and facilitators of recovery-oriented models of practice in a small number of therapeutic farm settings across the world in order to inform service design at KTF whilst also addressing a gap in research on this topic. As highlighted by the paper, despite strong policy support for more progressive approaches in mental health care, the primacy of biomedical philosophy remains deeply ingrained in current systems worldwide, particularly in countries of the Western or Global North. This continued emphasis on diagnosis and biomedical intervention means that symptom management is often prioritised over broader social, psychological, and environmental factors that contribute to mental health challenges. In addition, the hospital setting, while offering critical support and resources, can inadvertently reinforce institutionalisation by focusing on stabilisation rather than long-term recovery and community integration.
Scheduled to open in 2026, KTF seeks to be a further example and a potentially transformative initiative within Ireland’s mental health services. It aims to facilitate the recovery of people experiencing significant mental health difficulties through the creation of a healing environment, combining a supportive community, therapeutic and holistic care, and meaningful opportunities for participating in a natural farm setting. Kyrie Farm aims to create “a world class therapeutic centre that encapsulates the best possible support, while putting the person at the centre of their own care plan and recovery.”
Four key themes emerged from the research:
- Common Humanity: Emphasising shared human experiences to foster empathy and understanding.
- Freedom and Responsibility: Balancing individual autonomy with communal obligations.
- Interdependence and Community Living: Highlighting the importance of mutual support and collective life.
- Learning Organisations: Encouraging continuous development and adaptability within the community.
The research, through focus groups with staff from farms in Ireland and USA, similar in ethos to KTF, found that distress was normalised and understood as part of the human condition. Participants seemed to recognise that there was no fundamental difference between themselves and residents. Jasmin said: “you just can’t have an ego here…. because it could be me next week”. This recognition of common humanity enabled equitable, reciprocal, and authentic relationships, which supported residents in their recovery and contributed to greater professional satisfaction for staff. For instance, Connor described that there were times he might have something going on in his own life, and then: “The next day the tenants are like, ‘how did you get on?’…They’ll be checking up on you as much [as you on them]. That’s something that gives me great satisfaction in the work that I do, that type of camaraderie between us all”.
Overall, the study demonstrates that therapeutic farms like KTF can effectively implement recovery-oriented practices, contributing to a shift towards more person-centered mental health services. Values such as community, empowerment, and equitable relationships facilitate this approach, though staff may face challenges in integrating these principles into practice. Addressing these tensions is crucial for successful implementation.
This research contributes to the broader movement advocating for recovery-oriented mental health services, emphasizing person-centered and rights-based approaches.
Fantastic! Thanks very much for this!