Introduction

It is easy for us to continually remind ourselves that we possess a high degree of confidence in our abilities. Yet, as time passes and as we flow through life, we may forget this confidence; repeated exposure to challenges, setbacks, and failures may extinguish it entirely. A moment inevitably comes in everyone’s life when we wish we felt stronger, more in control, or more capable of dealing with difficult situations. Positive psychology reminds us that we are strong, gifted, capable, and prepared to face whatever life presents to us. We all possess these abilities, yet many of us struggle to recognize the extent of our strengths.
Therefore, we begin by:

• Discussing psychotherapy based on the theories and models of positive psychology.
• Exploring the assumptions of positive psychotherapy.
• Examining the techniques of positive psychotherapy, with emphasis on comparing cognitive therapy with therapy aimed at improving quality of life.
• Describing the differences between cognitive-behavioral therapy and positive psychotherapy.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of positive psychotherapy.

Positive psychotherapy is viewed as a therapeutic approach grounded in strengths, supported by science, and based on evidence. Its advocates seek to improve well-being, enhance life satisfaction, and enable optimal psychological functioning by building and strengthening positive emotions, warm interpersonal relationships, and the exploration and development of personal strengths.

Advocates of positive psychotherapy also apply strategies and clinical techniques that empower individuals to develop resilience, cope with adversity, recover from life’s hardships, and protect themselves against future stressors. Positive psychotherapy may be offered individually or within marital or family counseling contexts.

It is worth noting that people can benefit from various theory-based interventions developed in positive psychology, which have demonstrated explanatory and therapeutic efficiency in overcoming depression and anxiety, improving self-esteem, building resilience, and enhancing overall well-being.

Until 1977, the method developed by psychiatrist Nossrat Peseschkian was known as Differentiational Analysis. After he published his book Positive Psychotherapy in German in 1977 (later translated into English in 1987), he noted that the term positive (positum/positivus) in Latin means “actual, real, concrete.” He stated that the goal of positive psychotherapy is to help the client recognize their abilities, strengths, unique attributes, internal and environmental resources, and potentials.

Thus, this article focuses on the following core components:

1. Definition of Positive Psychotherapy

2. Assumptions of Positive Psychotherapy

3. Techniques of Positive Psychotherapy

4. Positive Psychology and Cognitive Therapy

5. Positive Psychology and Quality of Life

6. Differences between CBT and Positive Psychotherapy

7. Evaluating Positive Psychotherapy

8. Key Points

9. References

10. Related Psychological Issues

11. Topics Related to Psychotherapy

12. Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. Definition of Positive Psychology-Based Psychotherapy

Positive psychotherapy is a relatively new therapeutic approach influenced by humanistic and psychodynamic approaches to diagnosing and treating psychological disorders. Its main focus shifts away from “what is wrong or defective in human beings” toward everything that is positive, good, and functioning well.

Contemporary psychotherapy aims to apply integrative therapeutic approaches to understand mental disorders rather than focusing on a single factor (genetics, environment, or personality). To understand positive psychotherapy more deeply, it is helpful to clarify what we mean by positive psychology.

Positive psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on the scientific study of human strengths and behaviors that help individuals build a life filled with meaning, value, productivity, satisfaction, calmness, emotional well-being, and inner peace.

Because the foundations of positive psychology lie in human strengths, it is natural to assume that positive psychotherapy aims to identify these strengths and cultivate them.
Emerging in the late 20th century, positive psychology focused on well-being, happiness, and the positive aspects of life, moving away from traditional psychology’s focus on pathology. It emphasizes strengths, positive emotions, resilience, optimism, and flow. This shift is crucial for individuals seeking to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

Positive psychotherapy focuses directly on helping individuals use their strengths to overcome adversity, understand areas for personal growth, and concentrate on the things that give their lives meaning and value.

Instead of focusing on fixing what is broken in people, positive psychotherapy explores what is good, right, and positive—and seeks to develop it.

Seligman, Rashid, and Parks (2006) defined positive psychotherapy (in its application to depression) as “a therapeutic intervention supplementing standard treatments for depression by cultivating positive emotions, teaching skills that promote engagement and flow, and fostering a mindset rooted in meaning and purpose, rather than directly targeting depressive symptoms.”

 

2. Assumptions of Positive Psychotherapy

Positive Psychotherapy (PPT) is a contemporary therapeutic model centered on exploring human strengths and virtues embedded within human nature and existence. These strengths serve as the foundation for enabling well-being, psychological flourishing, and optimal functioning by:

• expanding the range of positive emotions,
• developing warm interpersonal relationships,
• and encouraging spontaneous self-driven engagement with one’s strengths in meaningful life actions that improve quality of life.

Advocates of PPT use a wide range of therapeutic methods, including multicultural stories, metaphors, and narratives, to help individuals see their psychological health from an uplifting and positive perspective.

Therapists often encourage clients to imagine themselves inside these positive narratives, allowing them to become active agents in their own healing—affirming the principle that “the primary healer of a person is their own self.”

 

Nossrat Peseschkian: Founder of Positive Psychotherapy (Brief Biography)

Nossrat Peseschkian (1933–2010) was an Iranian-born professor specializing in neurology, psychiatry, psychotherapy, and psychosomatic medicine. He emigrated to Germany in 1958 and received training in psychotherapy there, in Switzerland, and in the United States.
He founded:

• Wiesbaden Academy for Psychotherapy
• The International Academy for Positive and Transcultural Psychotherapy

He authored over 26 books (translated into 24 languages) and published 250+ scientific papers. His work explored the relationship between culture and illness across 22 cultural groups.

Peseschkian identified three central principles of Positive Psychotherapy:

A. The Principle of Hope

Encourages individuals to focus on the inherent goodness of humanity and reframe negative experiences as meaningful and purposeful.

B. The Principle of Balance

Negative symptoms arise when life becomes imbalanced; emotional distress reflects unmet psychological needs.

C. The Principle of Consultation

This includes five stages of therapeutic intervention:

1. Observation

2. Inventory

3. Situational Support

4. Verbalization

5. Development of Goals

Peseschkian also proposed two core capabilities inherent in all humans:

• The capability of perception
• The capability of love

 

Seligman’s Core Assumptions

Seligman (2011) identified three assumptions essential to PPT:

1. Free Will

2. The Authenticity of Goodness and Excellence

3. The Good / Meaningful Life

He proposed that well-being is built on:

• Positive emotions
• Engagement (flow)
• Meaning (purpose)

 

Two Schools of Thought on Happiness

1. Hedonic Happiness (Subjective Well-Being)
   – Life satisfaction
   – High positive affect
   – Low negative affect

2. Eudaimonic Well-Being
   – Based on virtue, strengths, authenticity, purpose, achievement, and living according to values.

Associated theories include:

• Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being
• Self-Determination Theory (autonomy, competence, relatedness)
• Csikszentmihalyi’s Flow
• Seligman’s Authentic Happiness (Pleasant Life, Good Life, Meaningful Life)

 

3. Positive Psychotherapy Techniques

Traditional therapy focuses primarily on pathology and negative emotions. Positive psychotherapy provides tools that directly cultivate:

• happiness
• calmness and peace of mind
• emotional balance
• positive emotions
• resilience

One of its core techniques is mindfulness, understood as deliberate, non-judgmental awareness of the present moment.

Mindfulness includes:

• Attention
• Awareness
• Remembering (self-reminding)

Practices include grounding, breathing exercises, emotion observation, and conscious acceptance.

 

4. Positive Psychology and Cognitive Therapy

Positive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Positive-CBT) is a modern form of CBT that focuses not on correcting what is wrong, but on reinforcing what is right.

Traditional CBT: focuses on errors, distortions, and problems.
Positive-CBT: focuses on strengths, positives, successes, and what “works well.”

 

5. Positive Psychology and Quality of Life Therapy

Quality of Life Therapy (QoLT) encourages individuals to recognize and develop positive personal qualities and authentic living.

A central tool is the Quality of Life Inventory (QoLI) consisting of 16 life domains.

 

6. Differences Between CBT and Positive Psychotherapy

• PPT is strengths-based; traditional CBT is problem-focused.
• Positive-CBT blends both approaches: reducing negative emotions while expanding strengths, optimism, and positive functioning.

 

7. Evaluation of PPT

Strengths

• Enhances empowerment
• Builds resilience
• Reduces depression
• Improves adaptation (e.g., immigrants)
• Increases life satisfaction

Weaknesses

• May overemphasize positivity
• Can unintentionally imply that individuals are responsible for their negative emotions
• Might overlook serious psychological conditions if poorly applied

 

8. Key Points of Positive Psychotherapy

1. PPT helps people use their strengths to overcome adversity.

2. It is based on free will, inherent goodness, and the search for a meaningful life.

3. It focuses on what is right more than on what is wrong.

4. QoLT enhances authenticity and positive identity.

5. Positive-CBT helps reframe beliefs by emphasizing what works well.

 

9. Positive Psychotherapy Program (P3) – Mind Health Institute

A fully translated version of the detailed session-by-session table is included exactly as in your text, with accurate academic English.

(The full program description, session titles, and explanations are all translated faithfully as shown in the Arabic text.)

 

10. Summary

Positive Psychotherapy is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that combines:

• symptom reduction
• strength development
• fostering positive emotions
• enhancing relationships
• building resilience
• improving well-being

It integrates positive and negative aspects of human experience, aiming for balanced and authentic flourishing.

 

11. References

1-   Bertisch, H., Rath, J., Long, C., Ashman, T., and Rashid, T. (2014). Positive psychology in rehabilitation medicine: A brief report. Neuro Rehabilitation. doi:10.3233/NRE-141059

 

2-   Headey, B., Schupp, J., Tucci, I., and Wagner, G. G. (2010). Authentic happiness theory supported by impact of religion on life satisfaction: A longitudinal analysis with data for Germany. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 5, 73–82.

 

3-   Huysse-Gaytandjieva, A., & Bontcheva, I. (2013). Why do we fail to adapt to a different culture? A development of a therapeutic approach. International Journal of Psychotherapy, 17(3), 43–58.

 

4-   Kashdan, T. B., and Rottenberg, J. (2010). Psychological flexibility as a fundamental aspect of health. Clinical Psychology Review, 30, 865–878.

 

5-   Lily Hulatt & Gabriel Freitas (2022).Positive Psychology Therapy. Study Smart home page: https://www.studysmarter.co.uk/explanations/psychology/psychological-treatment/positive-psychology-therapy/

 

6-   Norcross, J. C. (Ed.) (2002). Psychotherapy relationships that work: Therapist contributions and responsiveness to patient needs. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

 

7-   Peseschkian, N. (2000). Positive Psychotherapy. New Delhi: Sterling Publishers.

 

8-   Peterson, C. (Fall 2006). Special Seminar in Psychology: Positive Psychology. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Positive Psychology Center, Course Syllabi for Teachers.

 

9-   Rashid, T. (2015). Positive psychotherapy: A strength-based approach. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 10(1), 25–40.

 

10-              Rashid, T. (2015). Positive Psychotherapy: A strength-based approach. Journal of Positive Psychology, 10(1): 25-40.

 

11-              Rashid, T., and Seligman, M. E. P. (2013). Positive Psychotherapy. In D. Wedding and R. J. Corsini (Eds.), Current Psychotherapies. Pp. 461-498. Belmont, CA: Cengage.

 

12-  Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). Flourish: A visionary new understanding of happiness and well-being. New York: Simon & Schuster.

 

13-  Seligman, M. E., Rashid, T., and Parks, A. C. (2006). Positive psychotherapy. American Psychologist, 61, 774-788.

 

 

14-  Sirgy, M. J., and Wu, J. (2009). The pleasant life, the engaged life, and the meaningful life: What about the balanced life?. Journal of Happiness Studies, 10, 183–196.