In the novel "Ordinary People"," Conrad experiences a number of events that contribute to his recovery. The first positive event that contributes to his recovery is the fact that he decides to go to therapy on his own. This incident is positive because the event shows how Conrad is able to make a constructive decision that will only benefit him. Conrad wants to get better, and this is his first step in acknowledging that. Another important moment in Conrad's recovery is his visits with Dr. Berger. Each visit gives Conrad more and more insight about why he needs to let go of the guilt and blame he feels about Buck's death. .
The most important visits with Berger are when Conrad lets out all his anger at Berger, and when Conrad finally figures out who it is who can't forgive who. Instead of holding his feelings inside, Berger makes him realize that it's okay to release his emotions and frustrations with life. Conrad achieves recovery once he lets out his dark secrets that have been holding him down like an anchor for so long; that he can't forgive Buck or Beth. Another major session with Dr. Berger is when he tells Conrad to stop caring about how it looks and care about how it feels instead. This is crucial to the novel because it shows Conrad that he shouldn't worry about what other people think of him, he should do what makes him happy. Conrad also starts to get better when he starts making decisions that will allow him to heal from the tragedy the year before, like deciding to skip swim practice twice a week in order to go see Berger. .
Eventually, Conrad quits the swim team entirely which shows him not following the the "should's"" in life. This decision shows that Conrad is tired of doing what is expected of him and that he wants to do want makes him happy. He also makes small decisions that contribute to his recovery as well, such as picking out which Christmas tree to get for the house.