Positive Psychological Interventions in Counseling

Abstract

Counseling psychologists are in a prime position to claim preeminence in the field of applied positive psychology. A number of misunderstandings or misconceptions of positive psychology seem to interfere, however, with the focus (or lack thereof) that has been placed upon training counseling psychologists to utilize and contribute to positive psychological scholarship and applications. In this article, the most commonly reported misconceptions are addressed, and foundational information regarding positive psychological constructs, theories, and processes most relevant to the applied work of counseling psychologists is reviewed. Counseling psychologists are encouraged to claim positive psychology as the logical extension of our humanistic roots and to consider how to both utilize and contribute to the growing body of positive psychological scholarship.

The Strengths-Based Inclusive Theory of Work

“…Hope is a relatively stable, yet malleable, characteristic across the life span Marques & Gallagher, 2017). Hope is also culturally relevant across diverse groups (Juntunen & Wettersten, 2006;Magyar-Moe, Owens, & Conoley, 2015) and should be considered within an individual's cultural context and environment (Chang & Banks, 2007;Downey & Chang, 2014;Juntunen & Wettersten, 2006). For example, in the academic or vocational context, a variety of goals may exist such as seeking employment (e.g., finding employment as a homeless individual), navigating day-to-day work activities (e.g., addressing workplace discrimination), or addressing career transitions (e.g., determining next steps after being laid off).…”

Finding Balance via Positive Psychological Assessment and Conceptualization

“…An initial assessment of strengths will likely help begin the conversation of CMPPA, which can later be supplemented by additional structured strength-based tools, such as the Four-Front Approach (Wright, 1988;Wright & Lopez, 2002) and standardized measures (see the "Standardized Positive Psychological Measures" section). In addition to assessing individual strengths, the intake paperwork can help identify information related to positive psychological constructs relevant to all clients (i.e., positive emotions, well-being, and hope; see Magyar-Moe, Owens, & Conoley, 2015, for more details).…”

“…Developing the therapeutic alliance is crucial to all forms of clinical services (Wampold, 2001), including assessment. From a CMPPA perspective, implementation of positive empathy-a subtype of therapeutic empathyoften results in positive outcomes, as it facilitates approach goals, increases positive emotions, and assists in identifying strengths (see Conoley & Conoley, 2009;Magyar-Moe, Owens, & Conoley, 2015, for more information regarding positive empathy). For example, if clients express concerns that they are not currently in a romantic relationship, the therapist could say, "It seems you desire a close relationship-someone you can trust and share positive life experiences with."…”

Highlighting Clients’ Strengths: The Benefits of Using the Balanced Diagnostic Impressions (DICE-PM) Model

“…The findings of the current study suggest that the intervention was insufficient to overcome the negativity bias at high levels of activation. It is also possible that greater attention to client symptomology and deficits is necessary in certain situations or feels necessary initially; however, there is still room for a more balanced perspective even when remediation and crisis management is necessary (e.g., De Jong and Kim Berg 2013;Magyar-Moe et al 2015a;Owens and Woolgar 2018;Pierce 1988;Rashid 2015). Together, results suggest intentional instruction about the use of strengths-based assessment can help shift attitudes related to strengths and partially address the negativity bias; however, more potent interventions are necessary to affect the way students approach cases displaying greater pathology.…”

“…Longitudinal findings support that strengths knowledge (which is aided by strengths assessment) results in enhanced strengths use (Allan et al 2019), thus fostering the benefits that accompany the implementation of strengths. The assessment of strengths conveys to clients and others that the clients' identities and current functioning are more than their presenting concerns and diagnoses (e.g., Magyar-Moe 2009;Owens et al 2015;Saleebey 1996). A holistic assessment of clients-inclusive of strengths-creates a welcoming tone to the therapeutic process, which is believed to positively impact rapport between the client and therapist (Cowger 1994).…”