Applied Positive Psychology: A Strengths-based Approach

Positive psychology is at times, mistakenly, interpreted as being simply positive thinking and as having the aim of producing perpetually smiling clients. This is, of course, not the case. Rather, positive psychology is a research-based branch of psychology that encourages therapists, as well as clients, to widen their focus from being largely problem-centred to also include clients’ strengths and the things that go right in their lives. Balancing the illness focus of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM, American Psychiatric Association, 2013), “the aim of positive psychology is to catalyse a change in psychology, from preoccupation only with repairing the worst things in life to also building the best qualities in life” (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000).

The morning session of the seminar will explore: (1) key concepts in positive psychology, including signature strengths, flow, mindfulness, gratitude, positive emotions, complex optimism, resilience, post- traumatic growth, forgiveness, engagement, and meaning; (2) the relationship between these concepts and clients’ cognitions, emotions and behaviours; and (3) evidence-based positive psychology techniques and their scope in the context of therapy. The session will include audio-visual material and practical examples, and I will be using an interactive presentation style that encourages participants.  

The afternoon session will focus on the practical application of evidence-based positive psychology interventions. Skills training will be provided in using techniques related to (1) signature strengths, (2) explanatory style, and (3) gratitude. Participants will watch demonstrations of how these techniques are used in clinical practice and will have the opportunity to practice all three techniques in role-plays as clients as well as therapists. The afternoon will conclude with time for questions and for reflections on how the practised techniques can be incorporated into participants’ own clinical practice.

References: American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, DC; Author. Seligman, M.E.P., & Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2000). Positive psychology: An introduction. American Psychologist, 55, 5-14).

“This seminar provides useful tools and practical skills to help clients shift their view from one that is solely problem-focused to one that also includes clients’ personal strengths and the positives in their lives.”   Renata Porzig-Drummond

“Renata’s enthusiasm, attention to detail, going over and beyond expectations made it an absolute pleasure.”

“Excellent course and thoroughly enjoyed it.”

“Renata has a warm and friendly style and was professional and engaging. She clearly knows her stuff on Positive Psychology. It was great to hear real life examples as well as the video segments of positive psychology in action.”

“The day was well paced and informative with skills and awareness I can use in my work with clients and in my own personal life. I enjoyed the interactive activities discussed and the video."

“Renata’s enthusiasm makes such a difference to the training. She is a very knowledgeable and positive trainer.

“Thank you, today was very engaging, practical and informative, really clear and I will apply it to my practice.”

“Renata was very encouraging of us to ask questions and engaging with her knowledge in that way was fantastic and contributed to everyone’s learning. Just great!”

“The enthusiasm, knowledge on this subject and in general an engaging teaching ability made this an enjoyable and valuable training. Thank you!”

“Renata’s knowledge and experience is impressive! She was well prepared, approachable and helpful throughout.”