Three psychologists show how they use positive psychology to help people in pain find the silver lining in their suffering, and turn around negative situations,
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A n insider’s view of positive psychology therapy.
Is the glass half full or half empty? We all know this classic psychological litmus test for optimism and positivity but how many of us really see the glass as half full? What about when the glass is completely empty — can we find a saving grace there?
In his inauguration speech as the president of the American Psychological Association Martin Seligman — a modern pioneer in positive psychology — said that the most important thing he learned was that psychology was half-baked; only the part on mental illness was well-done. He proposed “baking” the other half by stressing positive aspects as well.
Unlike traditional psychotherapy which seeks to “fix” difficulties by acknowledging a “deficit” in individuals and delving into their pain positive psychology is about turning a disturbing situation on its axis to reveal the positivity and value therein. Once the difficulty has been reframed the individual is strengthened by this change in the thought pattern which engenders positive emotions gratitude and meaning. From this new vantage point growth occurs.
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