In therapy there is a therapist-client relationship and usually the therapist plays a directive role in helping the client. In self-help, on the other hand, there is no such one-to-one relationship. The person needing help is trained in some technique, say, Recovery method, and he learns to practice and master it by himself, on his own initiative. In a self-help group there is no dependence except on the method. Thus, Recovery is not a therapy administered by a professional. Changes in user after consistent use of this method may lead one to believe it is a therapy.
Professionals accept that it has the scientific basis of CBT, that is, ‘Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.’ All the same, outcome of internalizing the method is important.