Positive Psychology
People seek out therapy for many reasons, but for everyone, there is a sense that something needs to change. Traditional medical approaches tend to focus solely on symptom reduction with an assumption that if those symptoms go away then everything will be good. The problem is that many of us struggle to define what “good” would truly mean in our lives, much less how to create change to get there.
Positive psychology is about getting to a space that’s better than “not symptomatic” or “okay.” It’s about helping you to feel like you’re living a positive, meaningful life and being able to deeply trust that your choices and path are in alignment with your values. In our work together, this orientation will show up in a number of different ways, including:
A focus on what you want in your life, not just what you don’t want
Throughout our work, and in early sessions in particular, the focus will not only be on what’s wrong or what you’re struggling with, but also on what those struggles are getting in the way of. We’ll spend time identifying your core values so that you’re not just moving away from difficulties, you’re actively moving toward the life you want to be living.
A feeling that therapy is “directional”
Rather than sharing for the sake of sharing and hoping that it somehow helps things, our time and work together should feel connected to a specific direction and path. That doesn’t mean that it won’t ever be messy, or feel confusing or difficult, or that we can’t have sessions just to vent about the week. Instead, it means that we will collaboratively determine the purpose and approaches of our therapy, so that we have the ability to “check the compass” and know that the work we’re doing is in alignment with your goals.
An increasing trust in your Self and your own internal resources
I start (and end) with a deeply held assumption that you are whole, strong, courageous, and have within you the strength and skills to thrive. This means that my job is not to fix something that’s broken (even when that’s what your mind or society are screaming), but rather to help you discover your innate wholeness and break down the barriers to your own natural growth and healing.
In addition to individual therapy, I also offer consultations to groups, organizations, or departments interested in integrating positive and performance psychology into their structure and practices. Rates vary based on needs, please reach out to set up a time to do an initial consultation.