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Positive psychology

Psychology is not only about what is wrong. Positive psychology focuses on what gives you strength, what makes you resilient and what makes your life worthwhile.

What is positive psychology?

Positive psychology is a current within psychology that focuses on resilience, wellbeing and growth. Instead of looking solely at complaints and shortcomings, you also examine what is going well, what gives you energy and which qualities you have.

It is not naive positive thinking. Negative feelings are acknowledged and allowed to be there. Positive psychology shifts the focus to the other side of the balance as well: the strengths, values and connections that contribute to a good life, including during difficult periods.

Scientific basis: Seligman and Csikszentmihalyi (2000) laid the foundation of positive psychology as a scientific current. Meta-analyses show that positive psychology interventions reduce depressive complaints and increase wellbeing (Sin & Lyubomirsky, 2009, Journal of Clinical Psychology). The PERMA model (wellbeing, connection, meaning) is empirically supported.

Who is it for?

✓Prevention and building wellbeing
✓Recovery after burnout or depression
✓Personal growth and meaning
✓As a complement to CBT, EMDR or coaching
✓People who feel stuck without a clear mental health complaint

Related complaints

BurnoutDepressionStressLonelinessMeaning in life

Related treatments

ACTMindfulnessCoachingCBT

Frequently asked questions

Is positive psychology for people without complaints?
It works for both groups. Strengthening resilience and positive emotions helps with complaints, but also as prevention and for personal growth.
How does it differ from coaching?
There is overlap. Positive psychology is a scientific current within psychology. Coaching is a form of guidance. Elements of positive psychology are also used within coaching and therapy.
Do I always have to be positive?
No. Positive psychology explicitly recognises that negative feelings are allowed to be there. It is about widening your view, not about suppressing difficulties.

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Sources: Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi (2000), American Psychologist · Sin & Lyubomirsky (2009), Journal of Clinical Psychology