Vastavuoroisuus mielenterveys- ja päihdekuntoutuksen kokemusasiantuntijatoiminnassa

Reciprocity is meaningful in rehabilitation and has also been identified as an element of peer-based experiential expertise-based action. However, reciprocity has rarely been the conceptual focus of research in this field. This article makes reciprocity visible in experiential expertise-based action in mental health and substance abuse rehabilitation. The research question is: how does reciprocity manifest in the relationship between mental and substance abuse rehabilitators and experts by experience? The data consist focus group discussions of rehabilitators and experts by experience. A total of 22 people participated in the focus groups. The data were analysed by data-driven thematic analysis. The results show that reciprocity in experiential expertise-based action in mental health and substance abuse rehabilitation manifests as Expectations for oneself and others, as Shared and personal reflection, and as Caring and respectful interpersonal relationship. Based on these results, realized reciprocity in experiential expertise-based action in mental health and substance abuse rehabilitation appears to strengthen agency and widely support the persons involved—both the rehabilitators and the experts by experience.