Positive Psychology is a therapeutic tool that arose from the scientific study of the strengths that enable human beings to live and thrive together in communities.
It can be used to empower clients who wish to increase their positive feelings in order to lead a fulfilled life by improving their self-perception and their relationships with others.
The positive psychology movement began in the late 1990s as an attempt to correct an imbalance in the understanding of factors that help individuals to happily coexist and bond together. It studies the conditions and processes that contribute to the flourishing, or optimal functioning, of people, groups and institutions.
The treatment works by focusing on and exploring strengths, rather than weaknesses, in order to develop better self-esteem, optimism and a sense of purpose.
The benefits of positivity
Positive Psychology not only aids recovery from damage caused by medical conditions such as stress, disease or addiction, but it can also help clients achieve more authentic, meaningful lives. Negative functioning is also taken into account when understanding and treating distress, in order to make a positive intervention.
Positive Psychology can be used to complement other behaviour-modifying treatment, so that individuals learn how to identify and improve their perceptions and their relations with those around them, including at home or work. This enables clients to be content with their past and their present, and to have hope for the future.