Let's tango! Integrating professionals' lived experience in the tranformation of mental health services

Karbouniaris, S. (2023)

Doctoral Thesis

This research uncovered the relevance of integrating experiential knowledge used by established mental health professionals. While its use is still sparse and organisations are struggling to meaningfully incorporate the lived experience perspective in practice, the available qualitative data indicate positive outcomes for those that succeed in this integration. Based on our research, the value of experiential knowledge is captured in relational ethics, practical and emotional insights, existential transformation, and emancipatory politics.
In conclusion, the experiential knowledge of professionals has an empathising, normalising, humanising, demystifying, destigmatising and empowering impact on mental health services.

• Lived experiences
• Mental health services
• Experiential expertise
• Lived experience practitioner
• Professional peer support

• All authors: Karbouniaris, S.
• Supervisor: Abma, T.A.; Wilken, J.P.
• Co-supervisor: Weerman, A.
• Committee: Furth, E.F. van; Vermeiren, R.R.J.M.; Keuzenkamp, S.; Os, J.J. van
• Qualification: Doctor (dr.)
• Awarding Institution: Faculty of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden University
• Date: 2023-09-13
• ISBN (print): 9789089281579
• Sponsorship: Hogeschool Utrecht/University of applied sciences Utrecht