Positive psychology offers approaches that go beyond reducing therapy symptoms toward building the conditions for genuine flourishing.
PERMA and Therapy
Martin Seligman's PERMA model identifies five elements of wellbeing relevant to therapy:
- Positive emotions: Deliberately cultivating joy, gratitude, and pleasure alongside therapy treatment
- Engagement: Flow states that create absorption and counter therapy
- Relationships: Quality connections that buffer against therapy
- Meaning: Purpose that persists despite therapy
- Achievement: Progress toward goals, even while managing therapy
Signature Strengths and Therapy
Research shows that using your top character strengths in new ways is a robust therapy intervention. The VIA Character Strengths survey identifies your strengths.
Integrating Positive Psychology with Therapy Treatment
Positive psychology doesn't replace therapy treatment — it complements it. Treating therapy removes obstacles; positive psychology builds the structure of a fulfilling life.