Positive Psychology: Increasing Number of Therapists Focus On The Good

When sitting with a patient, should the therapist focus on the part of the glass that is half full or the part that is half empty?

There is a relatively new movement within psychology, called "positive psychology," which emphasizes optimism and working on a patient's strengths. Some people consider it the "scientific study of human happiness." Proponents believe that traditional psychology focuses too much on addressing mental illness rather than mental wellness--a problem that positive psychology was created to address.

Positive psychology is described as focusing on how people are right rather than how they are wrong. The Wall Street Journal (print edition 9/28/06, D1 or link which may require fee) talks about the case of Margaret Smith who had been dealing with problems in her life through a combination of antidepressants and talking to a therapist about issues that were bothering her. However neither the drugs or the sessions were making her feel better so she decided to try the positive psychology approach. Once a week she met with a therapist and talked about the good things in her life (which included everything from her appreciation of art to her gratitude for her father's sacrifices to support his family). For Ms. Smith the positive approach worked.

In another example, Heidi Hall turned to positive psychology to learn to be a better manager as well as be happier. As part of her therapy she did a number of exercises including writing (but not sending) letters of forgiveness to people she felt had wronged her. The exercise helped illustrate how her anger was only hurting herself.

Positive psychology proponents worry that traditional psychology only addresses patient's negative feelings while ignoring the positives that help people feel good. Instead, they say, by emphasizing the affirmative aspects of a patient's life they can help them feel more optimistic and fulfilled. Sometimes patients are encouraged to do something as small as take a class, other times a change of jobs or careers is recommended. Even people with no mental illness or disorder are giving it a try as a way to help them improve their lives. These sessions are often called "coaching". Costs vary but typically range $100 to $250 per session.

Positive psychology even has applications in situations where there appear to be no possible positives--for example dealing with victims of mass disasters. In these situations, positive psychologists are teaching volunteers to focus "on the [victims'] coping skills rather than the horror of the experience."

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