Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy
Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy (CT-R) is an innovative therapeutic approach designed specifically for individuals with serious mental health conditions such as schizophrenia. Developed to empower and aid in the recovery process, CT-R focuses on leveraging the individual’s strengths and aspirations to promote engagement in meaningful activities. CT-R emphasizes collaboration to create and sustain motivation, enhance personal agency, and foster a sense of belonging and accomplishment. This approach helps individuals move beyond managing symptoms to building a life that is fulfilling and aligned with their values and goals (aspirations). Princeton Counseling and Psychotherapy is one of the most experienced providers of CT-R in the country.
Who might benefit from CT-R?
- Individuals who have been given a diagnosis of a serious mental health condition (e.g., psychosis, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder)
- Individuals who may have experiences that are difficult to understand and may not be shared by others in the community.
- Someone who is looking to work collaboratively, and wants a treatment plan that builds hope and purpose, increases connection in the community.
- Family members who have a loved one given a serious mental health condition diagnosis.
Experience with CT-R
Dr. Joe Keifer had the privilege of working alongside Dr. Aaron T. Beck (pictured) and Dr. Paul Grant, two of the co-creators of Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy (CT-R) and continues to collaborate with Dr. Grant as a faculty member at the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy. 
He is passionate about integrating CT-R into clinical practice and has witnessed firsthand its transformative impact on his clients.
Previously, he has played a key role in supporting large-scale implementation efforts, working with state and city-wide mental health agencies and partnering with community organizations to develop strategic action plans for integrating CT-R into diverse clinical settings.
Dr. Keifer has provided:
- Consultation to multidisciplinary teams across various mental health environments, including state hospitals, forensic residences, and assertive community treatment (ACT) teams.
- Led efforts to incorporate CT-R into the nursing profession by collaborating with nurses and nursing organizations to develop specialized programming.
- Has designed and delivered tailored training sessions, workshops, and conference presentations to educate and empower professionals in the effective application of CT-R.
- Created the Recovery Map How-To Guide featured in the primary CT-R text – Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy for Serious Mental Health Conditions.
Recovery is possible!
The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.
Aaron T. Beck
NY Office of Mental Health (OMH) Statewide Grand Rounds
with Paul Grant PhD, Joseph Keifer PsyD, Anca Amighi, MD Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy: A Collaboration Empowering Your Most Stuck Clients
Recent Presentation and Invited Lectures
- Keitel, S., Keifer, J., Grant, P., Arnold, S., Hazan, S., (2024, Oct 7). From Forensics to Outpatient: A Collaborative and Humanistic Approach to High Risk Cases [Panel discussion]. Global Exchange Conference, Lake Buena Vista, FL.
- McGuire, A., Miller, A., Keifer, J., Steffen, A., Sedlar, G., Lauderdale, S. (Moderator) (2022, Nov 20). Addressing the Needs of Masters-level CBT Clinicians Across Multiple Disciplines: Education, Professional Training and User-centered Design of Intervention Materials [Panel discussion]. Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies Annual Convention, New York, NY.
- Keifer, J. & Grant, P. (2022, Aug) Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy for Nurses. Presented virtually as a webinar for Beck Institute Center for Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy. Bala Cynwyd, PA.
- Arnold, S. & Keifer, J. (2022, Feb) Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy in Forensic Settings. Presented virtually as a webinar for Beck Institute Center for Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy. Bala Cynwyd, PA.
- Arnold, S., Keifer, J., Giallella, C., von Zuben, C., Beacher, J., & Keitel, S. (2021, Nov 21). Panel presenter. In Grant, P. (Moderator). Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy as a Game Changer for Municipal and State Forensic Systems: Lessons Learned and Future Directions [Panel Discussion]. Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies Annual Virtual Convention.
