We always wait to go to a psychologist or a counsellor when things in our life start going south. We think that we need to wait for a crisis to occur to approach assistance for mental health. I don’t blame you, for far too long mental health practitioners have focused on diagnosis which makes the field come across as very pathologizing.
Well, I am here to break the bubble. Psychology is not just about mental illness and diagnosis and curing mental disorders. It is also about focusing on understanding and promoting individual well-being and flourishing.
Mental health, like mental illness, is a condition that emerges based on the concept of a syndrome. This means that both health and illness are identified when a particular set of symptoms reaches a specific level and persists for a specified duration. In the case of mental health, it is characterized by distinct patterns of brain and social functioning. This can be measured by subjective well-being which has multiple facets like psychological, social, and emotional well-being.
Now you may be wondering what are you going to talk to your mental health practitioner about if you do not have any problems to discuss. Life is dynamic and ever-changing and we have all been through a stressful period at some point in our time. This can be during our final exams when we wished the school bus to fall into a ditch or exam papers to get destroyed in a mysterious fire, or when we went through our first breakups! Changing cities, getting rejected in job applications, etc. can all be overwhelming and can impact our mood. However, that does not mean that every time you are sad, anxious, or stressed in these situations that there is something wrong with you. Positive psychology explores positive aspects of human experiences such as personal strengths gratitude, resilience, and happiness that can help prevent the early onset of mental disorders and suggest new techniques for prolonging remission and preventing disorders. Your sessions could involve (may differ based on individual therapist’s approaches):
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- Strengths-based assessment: This session involves identifying and understanding an individual’s unique strengths and talents. Through assessments and exercises, individuals explore their positive qualities and learn how to apply them in various aspects of their lives.
- Positive emotion cultivation: This session focuses on fostering positive emotions like gratitude, joy, and love. Techniques such as gratitude journaling, mindfulness practices, or engaging in activities that bring joy are used to increase positive emotions and overall well-being.
- Resilience training: This session aims to develop resilience, the ability to bounce back from adversity, and maintain psychological well-being. It involves exploring strategies to cope with stress, building self-efficacy, and fostering a growth mindset.
- Positive relationships: This session emphasises the importance of healthy and fulfilling relationships. It may involve improving communication skills, developing empathy, and understanding the dynamics of positive connections with others.
- Goal setting and motivation: This session focuses on helping individuals set meaningful goals and develop strategies to achieve them. It includes identifying personal values, creating action plans, and enhancing motivation to pursue desired outcomes.
- Mindfulness and self-awareness: This session involves cultivating present-moment awareness and developing a non-judgmental attitude toward one’s thoughts and emotions. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or body scan exercises are used to enhance self-awareness and reduce stress.
- Meaning and purpose exploration: This session encourages individuals to reflect on their values, passions, and what gives their lives meaning and purpose. It involves exploring ways to align daily activities with personal values and connecting with a larger sense of purpose.
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The positive approach would act as a buffer against subsequent life adversities. Sessions with this approach can help individuals strive for a meaningful and satisfying life to enhance subjective well-being.
References
Lopez, S. J., & Snyder, C. (2009). The Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology. In Oxford University Press eBooks. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780195187243.001.0001
Hefferon, K., & Boniwell, I. (2011). Positive Psychology: Theory, Research and Applications. https://openlibrary.org/books/OL27081926M/Positive_psychology
