Does person-centered planning involve following prescribed goals set by the treatment provider?

Person-centered planning is a foundational approach in recovery support that emphasizes the individual's preferences, desires, and unique circumstances in shaping their recovery journey. It is centered on the idea that the individual, rather than the treatment provider, should have the primary say in what their goals and plans should be. This means that the planning process is collaborative, with practitioners working alongside the individual to identify what is important to them, rather than simply imposing predetermined goals.

The essence of person-centered planning lies in empowering individuals to take charge of their recovery, promoting autonomy, and ensuring that the support they receive reflects their personal values and aspirations. By doing so, this approach increases engagement and investment in one’s recovery process, as the individual is more likely to pursue goals that resonate with their own life and experiences.

This focus on individual voices is why it is accurate to state that person-centered planning does not involve merely following prescribed goals set by treatment providers. Instead, the goals should be co-created with the individual at the center of the planning process.