Positive Psychology is the
term used to describe therapy that places greater emphasis on assisting people
toward achieving a fulfilling life than on identifying and treating pathology. This group would fit more into this category
that into a more pathology-oriented group therapy.
The terms for this pursuit
vary, e.g.: Authentic Happiness, Search for Serenity, Flourish, Flow, Man’s
Search for Meaning, Flourish. What these all have in common is the goal of
achieving a fulfilling life – a sense of well-being.
In his book, Flourish, Martin Seligman attempts to
define the elements that constitute this sense of well-being. His suggestions:
1. Frequent enjoyment of Positive Emotions
2. Doing work that gives a sense of Engagement (e.g. loss of self/time in the activity)
3. This engaging work had Meaning - serving some purpose greater than the individual’s personal
sense of achievement (greater than lowering one’s golf score)
4. Having in one’s life Positive Relationships with our fellows
5. Working at something that in itself gives a sense of Accomplishment
Suggested Goals:
·
Increased
understanding of the elements that constitute a sense of well-being.
·
Looking at and
discussing present challenges (arising either out of yourself or your circumstances)
to increasing your sense of well-being.
·
Discussing
changes you can make.
·
Developing some
very practical steps you plan to take to bring about these changes.