What is positive psychology? How can it help you if you are going through a rough patch.

Positive psychology is “not just the study of disease, weakness, and damage; it also is the study of strength and virtue…Psychology is not just about illness or health; it also is about work, education, insight , love, growth, and play. And in this quest for what is best, positive psychology does not rely on wishful thinking, self-deception, or hand waving; instead, it tries to adapt what is best in the scientific method to the unique problems that human behavior presents in all its complexity” – Snyder & Lopez, 2002

When clients come to me, they are often experiencing a situational depression. They’re lost their mojo. Their self-confidence is low. Something related to their job or career choice has landed them in a bit of a rut. My studies in positive psychology indicate that these set-backs are normal and in many cases can be overcome by practicing healthy interventions. I’m not referring to the clinically depressed. I’m referring to the people who are weathering though a rough patch.

One of the most effective interventions from positive psychology is to regularly take a daily inventory of the things that go well. The things for which you are grateful. I learned about this intervention in 2006 and have practiced it regularly since then. At the end of the day, my husband and ask each other to share 3 good things that happened. Some days it is a real struggle for me, on other days the list is long. Sometimes, I simply start my day writing down the three things for which I am grateful. That simple reminder is an effective way to begin what might be a tough day.

Today, I am grateful for my book club girl friends (2 of which are in the photo above). I am also grateful for the hot cup of coffee that my husband brought to me in bed and I am grateful that the sky is blue in Florida this morning.

This post was written by Lisa Jacobson

Categorized in: General, positive psychology