The rationale and aim of the study were to explore mental health service-users’ perceptions of self-management. Participants were recruited from patients who had used statutory services in Scotland in the previous two years. The author wanted to establish whether clinicians are fully supporting individuals to take ownership of their care and treatment by helping them become experts of their lived experience. The study examines aspects of clinical practice from the service-user’s perspective with the view to identifying where improvements can be made. This article focuses on the aspect of self-empowerment.