Posted by raisinb on July 10, 2008, at 14:17:18
In reply to Postive Psychology - A Respite From Woe?, posted by Hermitian on July 10, 2008, at 11:04:11
I've read Seligman's book, and I really enjoyed it. I think there are valuable tools in it.
But I also think that positive psychology is similar to CBT--in that it's *extremely* difficult to practice such cognitive reframing tools if one has underlying issues related to trauma, abuse, self-esteem, relationships, etc. that have not been worked through.
It's been maybe five years since I started reading about positive psychology. Back then, I didn't have the emotional resources to practice anything like that. Now, I'm (occasionally, fleetingly :)) able to do the things positive psychology advocates--focus on the positive, value my own uniqueness, list what I am grateful for etc. But that's only after three years of intensive psychodynamic therapy, addressing all the issues that made it impossible for me to do all those things in the first place.
At least for me, Seligman's approach would have been like a bandaid for multiple shotgun wounds, and I think a lot of people are in the same boat.
I think it's a cool framework, and I think it works for many people either alone, or after they've done other work. But I don't know that it's a substitute for other types of therapy.
Each to his own, of course.
poster:raisinb
thread:839108
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20080709/msgs/839145.html