The primary aspect that makes this psychology stand out from other practices is that it doesn’t just look at what makes a patient happy. Positive psychology instead looks at what can allow the patient to thrive and become the best possible version of themselves.1
Positive psychology programs can be important for patients who may have attempted other forms of therapy and did not achieve the desired results. These techniques also seem to leave longer-lasting impressions on patients than other forms of therapy, as it focuses on a holistic approach to living happily and healthily.
In addiction recovery, this form of therapy allows individuals to see past the struggles of their substance abuse and focus on the potential of what may come next after beginning recovery.
It is known as the fourth wave of psychology, meaning that it developed from and built upon the waves that came before it. These past models were focused specifically on diseases, behaviorism, and humanistic psychology. 2
The employment of this psychology can help a wide variety of patients work through substance abuse disorders or other mental health conditions they may be struggling with. While this therapy model may not work for everyone, it is a viable option that may be worth exploring with your therapist or primary care physician. Positive psychology has been shown to be especially effective for patients who struggle with mental health diagnoses like anxiety and depression.3
Other notable uses of this model include:
Many recovery clinics, universities, and human resources departments have medical staff who are trained in various techniques and practices. If you or a loved one think that this psychology may benefit you, talk to your primary care provider or reach out to a trained therapist that can help you develop a treatment plan for your specific needs.
Individuals will come to understand their own well-being in varying degrees, as each person’s definition of “flourishing” is unique The five steps of the PERMA model are detailed below.4
Recovery and positive psychology can work quite well together if utilized effectively. This type of psychology in addiction therapy generally looks at helping the patient move forward in order to create a positive and more fulfilling life for themselves.
There are a few common activities that are used in treatment. These include:
If you or a loved one think you may benefit from positive psychology therapy, San Diego Detox is here to help. Our team of highly-trained mental health professionals is well-versed in these techniques and can help you develop a treatment plan that caters specifically to your individual needs. We will support you through every aspect of therapy and recovery. We also utilize multiple other therapy models, such as 12-Step programs, art and music therapy, and dual diagnosis treatment.
