above all else, think positive

​      Positive psychology is one of the three cornerstones of mentalligent psychotherapy (MPT), along with mindfulness and cognitive behavioral strategies. Together, they address the stuckness of your patient, helping them stay in the moment, find the blessing in their adversity, and use cognitive behavioral interventions to build momentum on their healing journey.
          But positive psychology is more than thinking positive and cognitive reframing. The goal of positive psychology is the Greek word, eudaimonia, which translates “self-flourishing.”
          I met Shannon in my waiting room and followed her back to my office.
          “So, Doc,” she began even before sitting down. “How has your day been? Did you do something fun this past weekend? Isn’t it great to just be alive?”
          “Okaay” I hesitated. “Fine, yes, and absolutely. Thank you for asking. I’m glad you are in a super mood. Where is all of this coming from?”
          “Well, I took to heart what you told me about eudaimonia during our last session. Did some digging on Wikipedia. I think it’s all about attitude and what you choose to focus on.”
          “That’s great. What else did you decide?”
          “I think I’m done with being Debbie Downer, at least I want to be. Can you help me keep her out of my life?
          “I think that’s an admirable treatment goal.”
          “It’s just that all being Debbie Downer has gotten me is more anxiety and depression. I think she rides around on the back of Eeyore, you know, the woeful donkey from Winnie the Pooh?”
          “That’s quite a combination. Can I use that?”
          “Sure. I’m gonna be about trading Debbie Downer in for Emma Eudaimonia. Hmmm. It doesn’t roll off your tongue, but you get what I mean.”
          Shannon’s goal was to enhance her self-flourishing. That came to include not letting adversity get to her, finding positive meaning to difficulties, and caring for herself both physically and mentally by getting more sleep, journalling, expanding her social network with more positive role models, and nurturing herself with self-compassion when upset. Above all else, she began thinking positive.
          If Shannon’s story resonates with you, find the rest of it in my new book, The Healing Journey: Overcoming Adversity  on the Path to the Good Life  Buy your copy at amazonbooks.com. Follow this link: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Journey.../dp/B0CY9PQXMZ
Blessings,
Dr Jon

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