Seclusion in the context of recovery-oriented practice: the perspectives and experiences of psychologists in Ireland

Purpose This paper aims to explore the roles of psychologists in seclusion adult mental health services Ireland, their perspectives on and its use recovery-oriented practice related professional issues. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study was conducted from a social constructivist perspective. Semi-structured interviews with 17 were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings Twenty-four themes identified, which clustered into four overarching themes. Participants viewed themselves psychology Ireland more broadly as peripheral seclusion. They believed that possessed no inherent therapeutic value but it an uncomfortable multi-faceted reality. regarded recovery largely inconsistent difficult reconcile, they perceived systemic factors, had pervasive negative impact practice. Practical implications The findings highlight complexity interface recovery, need conscientiously balance conflicting priorities cannot be easily reconciled ensure ethical suggest are well-suited participate local national discussions Originality/value offers unique insight psychologists’ perceptions considers these views. Participants’ nuanced views can make valuable contributions topics.