Positive psychotherapy is a therapeutic method developed by Nossrat Peseschkian. It draws on various trends and assumes that one should focus not only on the patient’s problems, but also on their strengths. An important role is played by discovering and developing a person’s potential.
The most important principles of positive therapy
Positive psychotherapy combines psychodynamic, humanistic and cognitive-behavioral currents. The working methods are always adapted to the individual situation of the patient.
The basic assumptions of positive psychotherapy are:
- Humans are susceptible to disease, but they also have natural abilities and resources. You should focus on your strengths.
- Instead of fixing negative qualities, it is better to develop positive ones. This will automatically minimize defects.
- A person should be looked at holistically. Both mind and body and spirituality are important.
- It is worth being optimistic and expressing gratitude, which helps to change the perception of reality.
- Mental and psychosomatic disorders can be a form of unconscious striving for development.
- The role of the therapist is to support the patient in discovering and realizing their own abilities.
Positive Therapy Applications
Positive therapy has been used in working with people who struggle with such problems as:
- personality disorders,
- neurotic disorders,
- emotional disorders,
- eating disorders,
- psychosomatic disorders,
- trauma,
- existential crisis.
It is also a good proposition for those who strive for self-development and a better understanding of themselves.
Positive psychotherapy usually takes the form of short-term therapy, which lasts several months. However, this process may be prolonged, depending on the individual situation of the patient.
