Positive psychotherapy: Meaning and principles

Positive Psychotherapy is a relatively new therapeutic approach, created in the 1960s by Iranian neurologist, psychiatrist, and psychotherapist Nossrat Peseschkian. Inspired by humanistic psychology, his encounters with influential psychologists and spiritual teachers, and his work with people from over 20 different cultures, Peseschkian aimed to develop an integrative and culturally sensitive model that focuses on positive experiences.

What is Positive psychotherapy?

Positive psychotherapy is based on a humanistic view of humanity, integrates psychodynamic theories of illness, and applies innovative techniques (with elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy). In general, it can be defined as humanistic psychodynamic psychotherapy grounded in a positive understanding of human nature. In contrast to standard interventions for treating depression, the focus of positive psychotherapy is on enhancing the client’s/patient’s positive emotions and experiences, rather than on what is wrong with them. This approach can be described as therapy focused on conflict resolution and the utilization of the client’s/patient’s existing resources.

Positive psychotherapy is a supportive and consultative technique that is not primarily focused on symptoms but places the healthy capacities of the client/patient at the center. This method actively encourages the enhancement of resources in the fight against illness or problems. Positive psychotherapy is also effective in the context of family and group therapy, allowing the involvement of the environment (family members, colleagues, friends, or other group participants) as co-therapists.

This method of psychotherapy employs an approach that starts with what exists and is real (Positum) and then confronts it with what lies behind the facade of the illness. Thus, the therapy is focused not only on visible aspects but also on the function of the illness, its meaning, and its positive aspects.

Approaches in Positive psychotherapy

The creation of therapeutic contact utilizes three approaches—positive, transcultural, and content-based.

Positive approach:

Interpreting the symptom as an expression of its psychological essence, with an emphasis on the positive.

Transcultural approach:

Въвеждане на различни начини за преживяване и решаване на проблеми от различни култури, групи или опит.

Content-based approach:

Encompasses the psychodynamics of the problem, examining it through primary and secondary actual capacities.

• Primary capacities: Emotional expression formed during the first contact with another person, based on the ability to love and be loved.
• Actual capacities: Describe the conflict situation and its content, which is understood and processed in the context of positive psychotherapy.

According to Peseschkian, problems are not limited to „factual“ aspects, and each person possesses the necessary qualities to deal with conflict constructively.

Three main principles of Positive psychotherapy

According to the theory of positive psychotherapy, three main principles must be considered to achieve positive results:

Hope:

This principle emphasizes an optimistic view of humanity. Negative experiences should be seen as having a higher purpose through positive re-evaluation. The therapist encourages the client/patient to explore any disruption in their sense of well-being and reframe it as a signal of imbalance that requires attention.

Balance:

This principle examines how we experience dissatisfaction and the methods we use to cope. According to positive psychotherapy, negative symptoms arise when our coping strategies fail, leading certain areas of our lives to fall out of balance. This dissatisfaction influences how we think and feel. Peseschkian identifies four key areas where we might experience imbalance: body/feelings, achievements/activities, contact/environment, and fantasy/future. These areas are the focus of positive psychotherapy when exploring and addressing the principle of balance.

Consultation:

This principle defines the five stages of therapy that must be navigated to achieve a positive outcome:

 

Steps in the therapeutic process

Diagnostic and therapeutic interventions are carried out through five steps, which are included in every interpersonal interaction:

Listening (observation/distancing):

Paying attention to external and internal signals to observe and understand. The client describes the problems, challenges, or situations that negatively affect their life, as well as those that make them happy.

Asking targeted questions (inventory):

Formulating questions aimed at identifying and summarizing problematic areas. The therapist and client together explore the connections between negative feelings (or problems) and real coping resources.

Discovering the healthy meaning of verbal and non-verbal expressions (situational encouragement):

Focusing on positive aspects and resources for overcoming difficulties. The client is guided to focus on their positive traits, as well as those of others who provide support.

Structuring problems (verbalization):

Expressing and structuring problems. The client is encouraged to speak openly about their negative feelings, challenges, or symptoms.

Goal setting and expanding perspectives (goal expansion):

Setting goals and identifying different perspectives for a broader view of the situation. The client is encouraged to focus on the future, set goals, and visualize the positive feelings they wish to cultivate within themselves, connecting with their unique strengths.

Basic human capacities

Another key component of positive psychotherapy is the emphasis on basic capacities. According to Peseschkian’s theory, every person possesses two main capacities:

Perception (perceptivity):

The ability to establish connections between different areas of life.

Love:

The ability to develop complex and nuanced emotions and interpersonal relationships.

Peseschkian concludes that these two basic capacities form the foundation of our further skills. In this context, therapy is seen as a tool to promote further growth and educate the patient and their family.

Positive psychotherapy encompasses a wide range of applications. It can be used as a therapeutic approach in clinical practice in psychiatry and psychosomatics, in psychological counseling, and to support various professionals working with people—from educators, teachers, and social workers to managers and others. With its focus on resources and the development of positive aspects in the client’s/patient’s life, positive psychotherapy has proven benefits in treating various mental conditions, including psychoses, suicidal ideation, depression, and borderline personality disorder.